Adam Crafton has forged a career with one of the best selling newspapers in the UK. As their Sports Reporter, he’s constantly interacting with, watching and reporting on international superstars. So, just how has his Modern and Medieval Languages degree from the University of Cambridge helped him on his way to the heights of journalism?
You studied French and Spanish at the University of Cambridge whilst reporting for one of the best selling newspapers in the UK. At what stage did your interest in journalism and your language learning come together?
When I was 16, I undertook my first bit of work experience as a journalist. From there on, I threw myself at as many opportunities as I could. Years later, in my third year at university, I had the opportunity to spend a year abroad. During my time in Spain and France I took advantage of my study placements and used my journalism skills in both countries. This enhanced my language learning whilst also allowing me to follow my passion as a reporter.
What is the experience of learning languages like at Cambridge?
There were a number of positive things about learning languages at Cambridge. Firstly, the cross section of subjects that you cover. From literature and politics, through to art and film. Cambridge made me approach topics in different ways. The professors have a special way of making you think differently and they really draw the best out of you.
When did you realise that languages might be important in your career progress?
I had always been interested in History and Politics and had assumed I would go on to study one of these at university. Both subjects would help to develop my writing skills, working towards my end goal of becoming a journalist. It wasn’t until my work experience placement at one of the UK’s largest selling newspapers, when I was speaking to a couple of writers and discussing what I might go on to study at university, that I realised my language skills would be a real asset in the newsroom. This was when I first gave real consideration to the influence of languages on my career.
How important/valuable do you think your language skills are to the paper? Do you notice colleagues struggling because of a lack of languages?
In the globalised, ever-shrinking world we live in, having the ability to speak another language is valuable for all career paths. In my role I am often liaising with individuals whose first language is not English. Therefore, being able to speak to people in their own language goes a long way. I wouldn’t say colleagues struggle, however it is easier to build a good rapport with someone if you can speak to them in their native tongue.
Travelling and reporting from Europe, how useful are your language skills and how easy/difficult do you find it to transition from one to another?
When I first arrive in a country, it takes a little bit of time to pick up the fluency again. After a couple of hours, though, I naturally sink back in to the language. It’s really important to keep up with your language speaking and listening skills, even when you’re in the UK. I make sure that I’m regularly calling friends who still live abroad to ensure my conversational skills don’t fall behind.
Have you found that you get more traction in interviews with players if you speak their languages? If so, how?
Yes, it is easier to build a relationship with the players when you speak their language. This is because they are not worried about saying the wrong word or having to over think their answers because they are not sure how to explain it in English. It also helps with their reps and management teams, because access to these individuals is getting increasingly hard. By speaking another language I have built up my own professional credibility, making everyone involved feel more comfortable that, when the interview is written, nothing will be misunderstood. Approaching reps in their native language is also helpful when trying to get access – it shows that you are making an effort.
How many languages do you speak and at what level? What was your motivation for learning them? Which was the most difficult to master and why?
I can speak French and Spanish fluently and I am able to speak and understand Catalan and Portuguese… but not perfectly. I’ve always enjoyed learning languages. I guess I didn’t need any more motivation than that. In terms of difficulty, I found that Spanish is easier to speak but French is easier to write.
How easy/difficult do you find it to learn a language? Do you have plans to learn any more?
It depends on the language! I would really like to learn Mandarin as it is so influential. I did attempt it once, but only for a few weeks. I really struggled with the characters used in the alphabet. I would also like to take up Russian again; I began learning it in school, however dropped it once I reached A Level.
Do you have any memorable language teachers? Who and why?
I have been very lucky with my language teachers. At school, Mr Simpson and Mr Sharples were both truly inspiring and really sparked my passion for languages. My Director of Studies at the University of Cambridge, Olivier Tonneau, is probably the most intelligent person I have met in the world. Each week we would catch up for an hour, and each week I would leave our discussions feeling completely enlightened.
What advice would you have for someone considering learning a new language? How could the experience enrich their lives/careers?
Just go for it would be my main piece of advice. It isn’t easy and sometimes you will get frustrated… but keep going. Don’t obsess over your mistakes. In ‘real life’ people are grateful to hear someone attempt to speak their language with or without the mistakes.
What tips would you give to someone who is maybe struggling to grasp a new language?
Stick at it – don’t shy away. Immerse yourself in the language, watch foreign box-sets or listen to recordings. It is also really important to read about topics that you enjoy, in the language that you are learning. That way, you will always enjoy the process. I was interested in the football news, and it didn’t matter whether it was in French, Spanish or English. This all helps you to develop real life vocabulary that you will actually use.
Did you enjoy reading all about Adam’s language learning journey? If so, check out our article about one sports personality whose linguistic knowledge has taken them from the beaches of Nigeria to a cold frosty field in Devon!