How does the text provoke the reader to reflect on a contentious issue raised by the text

itself?

In criticising the abolishment of compulsory studying of a foreign language, the

reader is provoked to reflect on their complacent attitude of studying only English
whilst neglecting foreign languages. The title, ‘Our failure to speak foreign languages
should shame us. It’s not civilised,’ shows how the author believes it to be atrocious
that there is a disregard to learning another foreign language. Furthermore, the
author uses many rhetorical questions such as ‘How much respect does that even
allow? How can you hope to understand others while requiring them to speak to you
in their English?’ which prompts the reader to think about their relationship and form
of communication with other citizens when they do not study foreign language.The
author believes that communication is integral towards understanding one another
and is unhappy with this new rule as it may placate people towards communicating
with other citizens. This sets up an idea that English is sufficient for British citizens
and it creates standards between English speaking citizens and non-English
speaking citizens; making it seem that English-speaking citizens are superior. It
provokes the reader to think about whether they are outreaching and connecting to a
wider community or if they are in a bubble as they have taken language and
communication for granted. if they have taken reaching out to others for granted
The author bluntly states,’ Call it what you like’ showing that the author is aware that
readers may try to justify themselves so the author uses a firm tone to state the
problem with the issue. In conclusion, this text provokes the reader to reflect on what
learning and knowing a language truly means.