Conference Language Rich Europe
The British Academy
London, 03-04 December 2012 |
This, the first conference of the Language Rich Europe project, brought together over 150 policy makers and high level practitioners, all somehow linked to multilingualism in Europe. Portugal sent a team of 9 participants, representatives from the Ministério da Educação e Ciência, from Camões-Instituto da Cooperação e da Língua, from ILTEC-Instituto de Linguística Teórica e Computacional, from the Faculdade de Ciências Sociais e Humanas of the Universidade Nova de Lisboa, from the Universidade Aberta, from the Associação Portuguesa de Professores de Alemão, and from the "Público" newspaper. The participants debated key results from the research findings. British Council CEO Martin Davidson then launched the English version of LRE’s CUP publication ‘Trends in Language Policies and Practices for Multilingualism in Europe’ (pdf, 7.5MB). |
According to Eurobarometer, 83% of Europeans value knowing other languages yet 44% cannot hold a conversation in another language. With globalisation and increasing migration, multilingualism is critical to intercultural understanding and cohesion in society, job prospects for individuals and competitiveness in Europe.
Language Rich Europe is a networking project which brings together 1200 policy makers and practitioners from 24 countries and regions in Europe to discuss and develop better policies and practices for multilingualism. Network members are drawn from the fields of education, business, public services and the media.
Why is LRE important?
We believe that a positive attitude towards multilingualism is important for a prosperous and stable Europe. The ability to communicate in other languages is essential if Europeans are to develop a broader international outlook and enhance their employment prospects. Good language policies and practices can create a positive framework within which successful language learning can take place.
What does LRE do?
LRE provides a commentary on current language policies and practices in participating countries/regions, based on research conducted by our partner network of experts and researchers. It captures good practice and brings stakeholders together face-to-face and on-line to learn from each other. Throughout 2012 our network members will participate in a series of over 80 interactive events across Europe to discuss the key findings and this will result in concrete recommendations to policy makers at national and European level.
Who is it for?
The project is targeted at decision makers and practitioners in education, business, public services and the media. We will also engage the beneficiaries of good language policies and practices - teachers and learners – to incorporate their views.
Visit the Language Rich Europe website for details and country profiles.
| Past events |
Language Rich Europe:
Multilingualism for stable and prosperous soceties
Projeto LRE - Apresentação de Resultados
21 de junho de 2012
Representação da Comissão Europeia em Portugal
Lg Jean Monnet, 1-10º, Lisboa
Download programme (Word, 220k) |
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