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News Release
2 October 2001 Conference to present a new agenda for languages: Language competency now considered a basic life skill
Two hundred and fifty delegates from education, business and local government will
meet next week to hear new proposals designed to address Britain’s language needs in the
21st century. The debate will be the central focus of a one-day conference taking place at
the International Convention Centre in Birmingham on Wednesday 10 October.
“Face to Face: Developing a Language Policy for a Multilingual Society” has been
organised by CILT to mark the European Year of Languages 2001. It aims to celebrate
the opportunities languages can provide and to underline the fact that languages and
languages capability are basic life skills. Key speakers will include Baroness Ashton,
Minister for Early Years and School Standards, Professor Tim Brighouse, Director of
Education in Birmingham, and Graham Lane, Chair of the Local Government
Association, as well as contributors from the UK, Europe and other countries
representing education, business, community groups and the media.
The President of EYL, Sir Trevor McDonald, has commented that “as well as being an
important time to celebrate and promote language learning, we need to seize this
opportunity to take forward the policy agenda on languages.” Following on from the
work of the Nuffield Inquiry, the conference will launch “ An Agenda for Languages”, a
proposal for developing a national language policy that has been produced as the result of
consultation both throughout and beyond the UK. It will also introduce the National
Languages Forum, a continuing partnership of all organisations involved in the European
Year of Languages which, it is hoped, will take forward the developing policy agenda on
languages after the year itself ends.
Ends
For further press information telephone: (00) (44) (0)20 7379 5101 ext. 252
Notes for Editors
1. The conference “Face to face: Developing a language policy for a multilingual society” has been organised by the Centre for Information on Language Teaching (CILT). The programme will include individual, community, national and international case studies in addition to multilingual performances of dance, song and drama, organised by Birmingham City Council as part of its Year of Europe.
2.The European Year of Languages 2001 is a joint Council of Europe/European Union initiative which aims to promote language learning and an awareness of the importance of competence in other languages. CILT is acting as UK Co-ordinator of the Year. Further details of EYL’s aims and activities can be found at
3. The Centre for Information on Language Teaching and Research (CILT) is the Government’s recognised centre of expertise on language teaching. It was established in 1966 to promote a greater national capability in languages. CILT supports language teaching, training and research throughout the UK, across all sectors of education and amongst employers.
4. The Nuffield Languages Inquiry was set up in 1988 to review the UK’s capacity in languages. Its report, published in May 2000, made a series of key recommendations and called for a radical change in culture to promote languages in education and business across the country.
For further information
Press enquiries to Lizzie Woolley at Ogilvy PR on 0207 309 1028, mobile 078819 23530 or Katrina Fry on 0207 309 1099.
Enquiries on languages or policy issues to Pat Semple on 0207 379 5101 ext 252 or pat.semple@cilt.org.uk
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CILT is the UK Co-ordinator of EYL2001 Last updated on 31st October 2001 |