Languages in a Global World
Learning for Better Cultural Understanding
The rise of globalisation makes language competencies more valuable, both at individual and societal levels. This book examines the links between globalisation and the way we teach and learn languages. It begins by asking why some individuals are more successful than others at learning non-native languages, and why some education systems, or countries, are more successful than others at teaching languages.
The book comprises chapters by different authors on the subject of language learning. There are chapters on the role of motivation; the way that languages, cultures and identities are interconnected; the insights that neuroscience provides; migrants, their education and opportunities to learn languages; language learning and teaching in North America; and new approaches to language learning.
Catalan language policy and the challenge of new immigration
Nosaltres parlem Catalá
Centre pour la recherche et l'innovation dans l'enseignement
Catalan, the native language of Catalonia has survived since the medieval era despite foreign conquest, a national dictatorship and the banning of its use. Catalan has been the official language since 1983 with the creation of a language policy to re.establish the normative use of Catalan, making it the main language for instruction and communication in public schools. By 2007 the language was spoken, written and read in 97% of the region�fs schools. Yet, a new challenge has emerged with the large influx of foreign immigrants, which has turned Catalonia into the Spanish region with the largest concentration of immigrants. The Catalan government (Generalitat) has responded with attempts to ensure the Catalan language�fs continued use through the creation of three policies. This chapter describes the role the Generalitat has played in re.establishing the use of the Catalan language and analyses how the region has adapted to this new immigrant population.