Transcript Slide 2
Tapping the Full Potential of Languages: the Multilingualism Policy of the European Commission Vladimír Šucha, Director Directorate-General for Education and Culture European Commission 11 May 2009 The Roots of language policy Equality of official languages > Council regulation of 1958 Official language assigned by the Member State > from 4 to 23 Political framework for languages Shared competence for education Two main objectives: To raise awareness of the EU’s linguistic diversity Communication in mother tongue plus two languages for citizens Communication on Multilingualism: an asset and a shared commitment For intercultural dialogue and & cohesion For prosperity: competitiveness & employability Lifelong language learning in all sectors The media, new technologies and translation External dimension of multilingualism Dialogue of Cultures Literary translation in the Culture Programme Implementation (1): Co-operation with Member States for Education & Training Open Method of Co-ordination: • Common objectives • Indicators and benchmarks • EU reference tools supporting national reforms • Monitoring of progress For Languages: • Language competence indicator • Thematic groups Implementation (2): Two Platforms for Promoting Multilingualism Involving: • the Business Community • the Civil Society Lifelong Learning Programme 2007-2013 Comenius Erasmus Leonardo Grundtvig School (incl. preprimary education) Higher Education Vocational Adults Transversal Programme 4 key activities – Languages = KA2 (ex-LINGUA) Jean Monnet Programme Funding opportunities related to languages Bilingualism in education policy • Before 1962 : bilingualism a disadvantage • 1962 : “balanced bilinguals” can outperform monolinguals • After 1962 : start of appreciating bilingualism Early Language Learning in Multilingualism Policy Council of Barcelona 2002: “teaching at least two foreign languages from a very early age” Action Plan 2004-2006: “Language learning in kindergarten and primary school is effective, for it is here that key attitudes towards other languages and cultures are formed and foundations for later language learning are laid.” Promoting effective language teaching • Teacher mobility • Early start • Training for the multilingual classroom What is the Commission currently doing for promoting Early Language Learning? 1. Building up a network of relevant + representative organisations 2. Conference on early language learning in Brussels, 24-25 September 2009 More about multilingualism DG EAC: http://ec.europa.eu/education/languages/index_ nl.htm