ELT&Why+L&L+Policies

__EU Language Policy__

European Language Policy is promoting a formula, which will strengthen linguistic diversity and language learning in the field of education. It is aiming towards a mutual understanding, which is important for intercultural communication and acceptance of cultural differences. Language learning is essential for creating an effective democratic citizenship and maintaining social cohesion. Plurilingualism is motivated in Europe by increasing the opportunities for interaction and mobility between Europeans. Studies are taken in order to help this new approach of language education entering the curriculum.

__Cyprus Language Policy__

English as a second language has an important role in the Cypriot society. Nowadays most Cypriots have the opportunity to practice their knowledge in English outside the classroom, in their everyday life. Although English is the only foreign language taught in primary schools, most parents find the amount of work offered for this subject insufficient, therefore, young children are usually forced into taking English lessons in the afternoon in private institutes. However, in Gymnasium, children are taught French apart from English and later on in Lyceum, they have a choice among five other languages such as German, Italian, Russian, Spanish and Turkish. This development was encouraged by the curriculum supported by the Council of Europe for language learning in education. There is a concern that Plurilingualism could let to a partial competence in languages and most parents agreed that their children should learn one language very well than having incomplete knowledge of several languages. The council of Europe policy documents offer information for the development of language education in Cyprus, and help us improve national capacity.