European Union appeals for more linguistic diversity

The European Union’s executive commission argued for more linguistic diversity across Europe, stating that knowing more languages can boost cultural diversity, economic growth and intercultural understanding. Leonard Orban, EU commissioner in charge of multilingualism supported the idea to encourage the teaching of two extra languages to students from an early age at schools across the European Union. Orban spoke on the annual day of European languages on September 26th 2007. He emphasized that knowing more than one language can open the door to better social integration, business opportunities, employment and education. The commissioner referred to an EU report on the implementation of the Action Plan “Promoting language learning and linguistic diversity: 2004-2006” which showed that at least 40 percent of 15 to 24 year-olds across the European Union speak at least two languages on top of their mother tongue. Only 20 percent of those over the age of 55 were found to have similar levels of linguistic abilities.
The report is rich in providing examples of good practices. Belgium, Czech Republic, Estonia, France, Germany, Lithuania, Romania, Slovenia, Spain – for instance – are mentioned for having introduced bilingual instruction, including teaching a subject in a different language. Austria, France, Germany, Greece, Italy, Slovenia, Slovakia, Finland, Norway and Sweden encourage teaching neighbours‘ languages, sometimes establishing bilingual classes. To stimulate language learning at an adult age some countries, such as Belgium and the Czech Republic have introduced ‚vouchers‘ systems, co-financed by the state, employers and users. In Estonia, Poland and other eastern European countries, a re-qualification of teachers, especially from Russian towards English took place. In Romania, post-graduate distance training in French and English has been introduced for teachers in rural areas.
The commissioner is convinced that “Multilingualism is THE tool for creating bridges between people rather than seeing division. It is the most explicit example of ‚unity in diversity‘. Linguistic diversity, I am convinced, will help us develop a European identity, enriching our other identities, local, regional, and national.” The report can be found at:
http://ec.europa.eu/dgs/education_culture/publ/pdf/lingua/br2007_en.pdf

Alter Internationalität Sprache Englisch