Language competition modeling and language policy evaluation

2020 ◽  
Vol 44 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-65
Author(s):  
Torsten Templin
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Formal Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Model Parameters ◽  
Autonomous Community ◽  
Language Policies ◽  
The Core ◽  
Language Competition ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Language Policy Evaluation

Abstract In this paper, we present a framework for the analysis of effects of language policies on the competition between languages. At the core of this framework is a language competition model that takes into account four pivotal factors for the evolution of the linguistic composition of a society: intergenerational language transmission, formal language education, adult language learning and migration. In contrast to the majority of models available in the literature, our model operates with parameters that can be estimated from empirical socio-linguistic data. It allows the reconstruction of past and simulate future dynamics. Language policies can be modeled as changes in model parameters. Therefore, projections derived from the model can be utilized to compare the effects of different policy options. We use Basque and Spanish within the Basque Autonomous Community in Spain to illustrate the application of the model.

scholarly journals Language Education for Forced Migrants: Governance and Approach

Languages ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 4 (3) ◽  
pp. 74
Author(s):  
Chick ◽  
Hannagan-Lewis
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Policy And Practice ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
Barriers To Education ◽  
Language Classes ◽  
Speakers Of Other Languages ◽  
And Migration

: This article stems from research conducted into the barriers to education, employment and language learning for refugees resettled into the convergence areas of Wales, UK. The authors consider that effective language programmes should play a key role in migration policies designed for multilingual, multicultural societies. The provision of English language classes for speakers of other languages (ESOL) ensures equality of opportunities, and in doing so, enriches the culture of our societies. By highlighting the challenges to language learning faced by refugees on the Syrian Vulnerable Persons’ Resettlement Scheme (VPRS), this article draws attention to the fact that government directives for language provision commissioned under VPRS often do not sufficiently meet the needs of teachers and learners at grassroots level. Recommendations for greater flexibility in the organisation of ESOL provision for those resettled under VPRS are put forward. While this paper focuses on the specific case study of VPRS participants in Wales, it is hoped that recommendations around changes to policy and practice in language learning may be applicable to teachers, policy-makers, and community organisers working at the nexus of language and migration.

Increasing multilingualism in schoolscapes

2018 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 101-127 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kate Menken ◽  
Vanessa Pérez Rosario ◽  
Luis Alejandro Guzmán Valerio
Keyword(s):  
New York ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Formal Language ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Linguistic Landscape ◽  
Education Policies ◽  
Qualitative Research Study ◽  
The Impact ◽  
City Schools ◽  
Made In

Abstract In this qualitative research study, we examine changes made in 23 New York City schools that participated in a project for which participating schools were asked to regard bilingualism as a resource in instruction and develop a multilingual linguistic landscape. Findings document efforts made by schools to change their linguistic landscape in ways that recognize students’ many languages and cultures, significant corresponding ideological shifts by school leaders from monolingual to multilingual views of language and language learning, educators’ incorporation of students’ home languages in instruction, and new formal language education policies resulting from these efforts. We document the impact of all of these changes on students and their families and suggest that research on linguistic landscape conducted in schools should consider not only the physical landscape but also its connections to pedagogy, programming, and language policies.

scholarly journals Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University: Integrating Informal Learning into Formal Language Education

2020 ◽  
Vol 29 (1) ◽  
pp. 71
Author(s):  
Min Huang
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Informal Learning ◽  
Teaching And Learning ◽  
Formal Language ◽  
Online Courses ◽  
Language Teaching ◽  
Language Education ◽  
The Third ◽  
Learning Platforms ◽  
Language Teaching And Learning

The edited book Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University: Integrating Informal Learning into Formal Language Education, built on the 2017 Innovative Language Teaching and Learning at University conference (InnoConf), collected chapters with the theme: “Integrating informal learning into formal language education” (p. 3). Focusing on the exploration of innovative technologies for the purpose of language learning, the editors present a variety of approaches, including online courses, Wikipedia, social networking apps, online learning platforms, game-based tasks, video-based support, and Twitter. Based on the aims of the articles, the editors organized the chapters into two sections, with the first section addressing users’ feelings about these technologies and the second section addressing users’ evaluations of the technologies. The third section is an interview between the editor Tita Beaven and Richard Simcott, a founder of the Polyglot Conference. The interview emphasizes the importance of learning languages in informal ways.

scholarly journals Linguistic security as a factor of sustainable development of a region (on the example of Scandinavian Peninsula)

2021 ◽  
Vol 94 ◽  
pp. 02015
Author(s):  
Vera Budykina
Keyword(s):  
Sustainable Development ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Indigenous Peoples ◽  
Indigenous Languages ◽  
Positive Experience ◽  
Language Policies ◽  
The Core ◽  
National Minorities ◽  
Core Elements ◽  
The Russian Federation

The article is devoted to the study of problems of linguistic security as a factor of sustainable development of a region; special attention is paid to the preservation of languages of indigenous peoples and national minorities. The article describes the experience of the Scandinavian countries in the field of maintaining and revitalizing of the Sami languages and the main conventions on the protection of the rights of indigenous peoples and languages, as well as languages of national minorities. Moreover, the author explores how Sami language learning is organized and implemented in Scandinavian schools and if it contributes to the preservation and development of the Sami language. The language policies of Finland, Sweden and Norway in relation to the Sami languages, the achievements and shortcomings of the policy are analyzed. The paper offers a critical review of the core elements of Sami language policies to implement the positive experience in the maintaining of the languages of the national minorities and indigenous languages of the Russian Federation as an essential part of linguistic security which in its turn leads to sustainable development of the country.

scholarly journals Developing a foreign language policy in Greek higher education (HE): striving between Scylla and Charybdis.

2016 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 54
Author(s):  
THEODORA TSELIGKA
Keyword(s):  
Higher Education ◽  
Foreign Language ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Language Policy ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Professional Status ◽  
Great Effort ◽  
Language Policies ◽  
State Legislation ◽  
Foreign Language Policy

<p class="Abstract"><span lang="EN-GB">The present study analyses foreign language (FL) policy in Greek higher education (HE) taking into consideration the multiple interrelated factors that development and implementation of a successful FL policy hinges on. A brief overview is presented of European initiatives that have contributed significantly to the promotion of language learning, multilingualism and the harmonization of university language policies.  This was considered necessary so as to lay the context for the presentation of the practices documented in the Greek HE arena, with specific examples provided from Greek institutions.  To address the aims of this research project, the state legislation relevant to FL issues in HE is examined and discussed, as it unavoidably influences and mirrors observed trends and priorities in language education.  Finally, extensive data is analysed from five Greek HE institutions and their FL instructors, with regard to language practices implemented, programmes of study, instructors’ professional status, etc.  The results of this analysis show that great effort and extensive co-operation among all stakeholders is still required in devising a holistic FL policy in Greek HE, to which end this paper also offers some useful recommendations.   </span></p><p class="Abstract"> </p>

Didattica delle lingue in prospettiva interculturale: innovazione e potenzialità

2009 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
pp. 189-198
Author(s):  
Manuela Derosas
Keyword(s):  
Learning Environment ◽  
Language Learning ◽  
Communicative Competence ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Intercultural Communicative Competence ◽  
New Paradigm ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Learning And Teaching ◽  
Vast Literature ◽  
The Creation

Since the early ’80s the adjective "intercultural" in language learning and teaching has seemed to acquire a remarkable importance, although its meaning is strongly debated. As a matter of fact, despite the existence of a vast literature on this topic, difficulties arise when applying it in the classroom. The aim of this work is to analyze the elements we consider to be the central pillars in this methodology, i.e. a renewed language-and culture relation, the Intercultural Communicative Competence, the intercultural speaker. These factors allow us to consider this as a new paradigm in language education; furthermore, they foster the creation of new potentialities and configure the classroom as a significant learning environment towards the discovery of Otherness.

scholarly journals Simulating language knowledge across the EU: language regimes, language learning and consequences for linguistic disenfranchisement

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Marco Civico
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
Learning Strategies ◽  
Language Skills ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Skills Acquisition ◽  
Linguistic Distance ◽  
Education Policies ◽  
Policy Makers ◽  
The Impact ◽  
The Eu

AbstractThe objective of this paper is to develop an simulation model able to test different language education orientations and their consequences for the EU population in terms of linguistic disenfranchisement, that is, the inability of citizens to understand EU documents and parliamentary discussions should their native language(s) no longer be official. I will focus on the impact of linguistic distance and language learning. Ideally, this model would be a tool to help EU policy makers make informed decisions about language practices and education policies, taking into account their consequences in terms of diversity and linguistic disenfranchisement. The model can be used to force agents to make certain choices in terms of language skills acquisition. The user can then go on to compare different scenarios in which language skills are acquired according to different rationales. The idea is that, by forcing agents to adopt certain language learning strategies, the model user can simulate policies promoting the acquisition of language skills and get an idea of their impact. In this way, the model allows not only to sketch various scenarios of the evolution of language skills among EU citizens, but also to estimate the level of disenfranchisement in each of these scenarios.

The “other(ing)” costs of ESL

2008 ◽  
Vol 18 (1) ◽  
pp. 91-108 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ena Lee
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
English Language ◽  
Mainland China ◽  
Language Education ◽  
Economic Benefits ◽  
Secondary English ◽  
Language And Culture ◽  
Post Secondary ◽  
Student Identities ◽  
Global Language

While the commodification of English as a global language may give rise to varying degrees of political and economic benefits for language learners, a simultaneous “cost” of this return may be a continued perpetuation of various forms of hegemony. In this vein, this one-year case study investigated a Canadian post-secondary English as a Second Language (ESL) program that analyzed the interconnections between language and culture through a critical dialogic approach. Classroom observations, however, revealed that disjunctions existed between the pedagogy as it was conceptualized and the practices of the instructors teaching there and suggested that the “critical” discourses mediated within the language classrooms essentialized culture and, subsequently, the identities of the students. This paper presents the voices of students from Mainland China as they attempted to negotiate their local and global identities within the larger sociopolitical contexts of the English language, generally, and English language education, in particular. I argue that classroom discourses can (re)create subordinate student identities, thereby limiting their access not only to language-learning opportunities, but to other more powerful identities. This paper thus highlights how ESL pedagogies and practices might address and contest hegemonic discourses and concomitantly reimagine student identities in more emancipatory ways.

21st CENTURY IN GERMAN LANGUAGE LEARNING : IMPLEMENTATION OF CYBERGOGY CONCEPT

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 122-135
Author(s):  
Eldaa Crystle Wenno
Keyword(s):  
Language Learning ◽  
21St Century ◽  
Learning Process ◽  
Language Education ◽  
21St Century Learning ◽  
German Language ◽  
Learning Needs ◽  
Study Program ◽  
Descriptive Case Study ◽  
The Times

As a place for learning activities, educational institutions must adapt to the times to not be viewed as a threat in the current era of education 4.0. Along with 21st-century learning needs to foster students' creative, innovative and competitive attitudes by implementing technology as an auxiliary medium in the learning process to produce quality students. This research is a descriptive case study to explore the application of the cybergogy concept about facing the challenges of learning in the 21st-century, especially in lecturing German in the courses offered by students. The sample in this study were students in semesters II, IV, and VI of the German Language Education Study Program, with 35 students. The instruments used in this study were questionnaires, interviews, and document review. Data from questionnaires, discussions and document reviews were analyzed using descriptive statistics referring to the Milles and Huberman stages. The results showed that the concept of cybergogy had been applying 30% synchronously and 70% asynchronously. On average, 93-94% of students and lecturers have used technology-based media in the German language learning process because of the availability of teaching materials and supporting facilities for information and communication technology to face 21st-century learning.

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