Language questions
Language learning in the EU - Introduction
Language learning is a very important area, especially for a uniting Europe. In this section, you can read about various aspects of language learning in the EU.
In November of 2005, the Commission of the EU launched a new website Europe and Languages, about languages and language learning in Europe. Here are two quotes from it:
"The ability to understand and communicate in more than one language – already a daily reality for the majority of people across the globe - is a desirable life-skill for all European citizens. Learning and speaking other languages encourages us to become more open to others, their cultures and outlooks; it improves cognitive skills and strengthens learners’ mother tongue skills; it enables us to take advantage of the freedom to work or study in another Member State."
"The European Union has adopted an ambitious aim for its education and training policy: to enable all Europeans to communicate in two languages in addition to their mother tongue. In March 2002 the Heads of the State and Government in Barcelona recognised the need for action by both the European Union and the Member States to improve language learning, in particular by teaching at least two foreign languages to everyone from a very early age."
Is the goal that every European learn at least two foreign languages realistic in today's school systems? This question, among others, is discussed in the following pages.
