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The Future of Language Education in Europe: Summary and Key Questions
Le Pichon-Vorstman, E., Siarova, H., & Szőnyi, E. (2021). The future of language education in Europe: case studies of innovative practices. European Journal of Language Policy, 13(1), 114-120. Aim of the report: Key findings: The key innovation inherent in innovative practice involves creating a shift in perception in relation to the languages and their role… Read more
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Bilingualism is the Norm Appeal
In December 2021 I received an email from a group of researchers in Poland who specialise in language acquisition, multilingualism, speech and language, and other related areas. The email was an appeal aimed at spreading the facts about multilingualism as agreed by scientists from around the world. The appeal wanted to address the myths and… Read more
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Family Language Planning
“A GOAL WITHOUT A PLAN IS JUST A WISH” – ANTOINE DE SAINT-EXUPÉRY As I have mentioned in previous posts, globalisation and mobility have influenced cultural and linguistic diversity in many communities. International organisations, such as UNESCO, OECD, the EU, and the IB, as well as national initiatives, promote the benefits of bi- and multilingualism… Read more
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Learning About Communities: School Language Surveys
Language surveys are a great way to learn more about the language profiles of students and their families so that schools can further strengthen their commitment to intercultural awareness and developing multilingualism. Using the results, a comprehensive language profile of a school community can be made, which provides detailed information on the languages used by… Read more
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Understanding Basic Interpersonal Communication Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP)
One of the principle language theories discussed by the IB and at international education conferences is one created by Professor Jim Cummins from the University of Toronto, Canada, who has identified the key features of bilingual students’ language learning trajectories when they are learning through a language in which they are not yet proficient. I… Read more
exploring multilingualism 