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 (LRE) is a study on multi-lingualism that was commissioned by the British Council and the Babylon Centre at Tilburg University in the Netherlands, with financial support from the European Commission. LRE 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.
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.
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.
You can also find out more about the project on www.language-rich.eu.
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.
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.
The project is delivered by a consortium of over 30 partners and is co-managed by a steering group.
Our partners in Germany
With the support of the Lifelong Learning programme of the European Union
With kind support from our sponsors
