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News Release
17 Decemember 2001 Languages for life The legacy of European Year of Languages lives on
European Year of Languages, which took place throughout 2001, is set to have a lasting effect after the year itself is over.
EYL, which was devised to promote languages and the benefits of learning languages, has attracted widespread support across all sectors of society. Over a thousand organisations, representing education, the media, the arts, local government, commerce and industry, have signed up as partners and arranged events and activities in schools, colleges and universities, businesses and professional associations throughout the country. Many of these were concentrated on 26 September - European Day of Languages - which was one of the cornerstones of the year and has just been designated an annual celebration by the Council of Europe’s Committee of Ministers.
There has also been progress on policy issues. In 2001, languages became more closely associated with key aspects of the broader social and political agenda with the acknowledgement that they contribute not only to employability and mobility, but are central to other issues which are gaining ever greater importance, including citizenship, social inclusion, the community, immigration, human rights, cultural identity and cultural diversity. Dr Lid King, Director of CILT, comments “It is our firm conviction that greater attention must be given to foreign language and culture skills if the UK and its citizens are to play a full role in global society”.
The “Agenda for Languages”, produced by CILT during the year as a result of consultation within and beyond the UK, provides a vision of languages and language capability as basic life skills and sets out the challenges for education, civil society and commerce and industry in translating this vision into action. And a National Languages Forum will establish a framework to promote discussion and exchange of ideas around these issues. In supporting this initiative, Education Minister Catherine Ashton described it as a focal point/meeting place “where stakeholders and practitioners, business and industry, students and teachers at all levels can share experience and good practice”.
All this takes place against a background of increased government attention to language issues, in England through the work of the Languages National Steering Group, in Scotland through the Ministerial Action Group on Languages, and in Wales by the production of a draft strategy for languages.
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For further press information telephone: (00) (44) (0)20 7379 5101 ext. 252
Notes for Editors
1. The European Year of Languages 2001, a joint Council of Europe/European Union initiative, was designed to promote language learning and an awareness of the importance of competence in other languages. CILT was UK Co-ordinator of the Year. Further details of EYL’s aims and activities can be found at www.cilt.org.uk. An evaluation of the Year in the UK will be published by CILT in April.
2. 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. Further details on www.cilt.org.uk
3. Copies of “An Agenda for Languages” and details of how to join the National Languages Forum are available from CILT.
For further press information please contact:
Pat Semple on 020 7379 5101 ext 252, email pat.semple@cilt.org.uk
or Teresa Tinsley on 020 7379 ext 238, email teresa.tinsley@cilt.org.uk
CILT will be closed for the holidays from 24 December to 2 January inclusive. The Head of Communications, Teresa Tinsley, can be contacted during this period on mobile number 07818 028 021.
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CILT is the UK Co-ordinator of EYL2001 Last updated on 21st December 2001 |