Here’s a shocker: not everyone speaks English. 

Assistant Prof. Fanny Chouc hears this assumption all too often at Heriot-Watt Open Days, where parents and students sometimes think that knowing English is enough. But the reality? Speaking another language is still one of the most powerful assets you can have. 

Imagine you’re applying for a job. Two candidates walk in, both brilliant. One speaks English. The other speaks English and French. Who do you think gets the role in a company expanding across Europe? 

This idea that “everyone speaks English” feeds the myth that language degrees are outdated. But Ms Chouc is clear: “Multilingual graduates work in finance, sport, marketing, accountancy… they’re jacks of all trades.” We have graduates from our LINCS programmes who have gone on to do amazing work across a wide range of sectors. 

AI Can’t Do It All 

Even AI won’t human interpreters any time soon. While tools like ChatGPT or DeepL can help with translation, they can still miss the nuance of culture, humour, and diplomacy – the very elements that make communication human. 

And then there’s ethics. Do you really want to feed sensitive business information into an online tool that may reuse or share it? Trust and confidentiality still require people. 

Not Just for Teachers 

Another common misconception Fanny Chouc hears is: “Language degrees are only for people who want to become teachers.” Nope! They’re for future CEOs, diplomats, journalists, entrepreneurs, even doctors. The list goes on. 

And the career paths of Heriot-Watt alumni prove the point. 

• Tom Quinn, now Chief Information Officer at Argo Group, studied languages before becoming a technology executive. 

• Ryan Grimason became Vice-President and EMEA Talent Acquisition PMO Manager. 

• Eilidh MacKinnon joined the Scottish Government’s graduate programme, starting as a parliamentary assistant, who then moved into research and is Deputy Head of the Scottish Government representation in the USA. 

Their stories show how a languages degree isn’t a narrow path; it’s a springboard into leadership, public service, and global careers. 

These stories reminded me of a friend who studied Spanish and English and is now in medical school in Brussels. Learning languages wasn’t just an academic pursuit for her – it gave her the confidence, communication skills, and cross-cultural agility she needed to thrive in an international healthcare setting. 

So Why Does This Myth Persist? 

Because it’s comfortable. It’s easy to believe English is enough when it dominates global business and media. But while English may open some doors, speaking another language means you can walk through many more – with cultural understanding and confidence. 

Language is Freedom: Why Words Matter More than Ever 

What if learning a new language could make you freer? 

Ms. Chouc passionately believes it can. Because when you know another language, you’re not just expanding your vocabulary – you’re expanding your worldview. 

“Languages are really key to freedom and democracy,” she says. “If you limit yourself to one language, you limit yourself to one perspective.” 

Think about it: most people only get news from their own country’s media, meaning one angle, one narrative. But if you can understand another language, you can access other news sources, opinions, and cultures. You see the world from all sides, not just your own. That’s powerful because it makes you less vulnerable to misinformation, more open to difference, and better equipped to engage with global issues. 

And it’s not just about politics. It’s about connection. When you speak someone else’s language, you’re not just translating words; you’re sharing culture, humour, and identity. You understand them. And that’s how we build empathy and break down barriers. Which is especially important today, in a world where division can spread as quickly as misinformation.