EU Action Plan 2004/2006
Promoting language learning and linguistic diversity
The EU Action Plan
The European Commission has adopted a Communication and Action Plan to boost the learning of foreign languages and linguistic diversity. The action plan concerns the years 2004-2006 and focuses primarily on making better use of the existing tools and programmes at the disposal of the EU rather than new means.
The action plan for 2004-2006 encourages Member States to make language learning a priority for pre-school and primary school children, so that every child will be able to speak their mother tongue plus two other languages by the time they leave school.
The action plan sets out to:
1. Develop lifelong learning of languages, including people with special needs;
2. Improve language teaching across the EU; and
3. Build a more language-friendly environment.
UK context and implications
Pupils in the UK do not start to learn languages until secondary school, and for many, this is too late. This has resulted in only 2% of undergraduates studying a language in 2001/02.
The proposed action plan broadly reflects the UK government's priorities and the language strategies for England, Wales and Scotland are all compatible with the EU's priorities.
To carry out the UK national strategy, Dr Lid King the Director for Languages will give strategic direction and co-ordinate action across all sectors.
Although language diversity is rightly considered a basic need for EU citizens, it should be noted that language learning did not feature as one of the five EU education benchmarks. The benchmarks focus on halving the under achievement of 15 year olds in reading, maths and scientific literacy.
Further information can be found on the Europa Website
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