New Media foar Multilingualism: Practice and Research Questions Reinier Salverda & Cor van der Meer Fryske Akademy Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning Multilingual & Multicultural Communication SOAS 17 June, 2013

Overview Mercator European Research Centre, networks, provisions and resources Tri-lingual education in Fryslân Policies and strategies for “minority languages” in Europe Concrete actions and best practice

Frisian in Fryslân (Netherlands) Autochthonous minority language Western Germanic language Spoken in one province (out of 12) in the Netherlands: Fryslân / Friesland Fryslân has 640,000 inhabitants 55% has Frisian as mother tongue School subject and medium of instruction

Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning Platform in Europe and beyond Regional and Minority languages Research & Information/documentation Centre Funded by the Province of Fryslân and the municipality of Ljouwert/Leeuwarden Co-operation with the Basque country

Mercator’s activities Research Publications & databases Network of Schools Conferences & seminars Projects Q&A service

Fields of Research Language Survey Fryslân Trends in Policies and Practices for Multilingualism in Europe (LRE) New technologies; E-learning & Social media Application of the CEFR and the ELP in Europe Informal learning and promotion of reading in families & households Early Language Learning

MELT Project Products: Brochure for parents Guide for pre-school practitioners Research paper Local awareness raising events Closing conference

EU policy recommendations based on best practices of the four regions Necessary to draft a explicit language policy about multilingualism and immersion for minority languages Good skills of the pre-school practitioners are required, coached by mentors To offer a rich language environment, including enough input of the minority language

Research themes with the Basque Country Added value of Multilingualism and Multilingual Education The Multilingual Classroom The Cultural Dimension in School Curricula

Research reports Articles Newsletters Regional dossiers series - > 40 language descriptions - Update every 5-8 years - Online available Publications

Structured Content 1Introduction 2Pre-school education 3Primary education 4Secondary education 5Vocational education 6Higher education 7Adult education 8Educational research 9Prospects 10Summary of statistics Education System in …. References and further reading Useful addresses

European Networks Mercator Network (LEARNMe) EUNoM: The European Universities’ Network on Multilingualism Civil Society Platform on Multilingualism (Poliglotti4.eu) Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity

Events in 2013 January 25: Symposium 75 th anniversary of the Fryske Akademy and 25 th anniversary Mercator March 1: Workshop on results LRE in Fryslân June 17: Pre-conference Multilingual and Multicultural Communication, London, co-organised with SOAS October 23 – 25: European Expert Seminar on the cultural dimension in school curricula

Study Visits

Visit Kazakh delegation February 2010 Education in Fryslân

Trilingual education in Fryslân (1) Model used: - Group 1-6: 50 % Frisian, 50 % Dutch - Group 7-8: 40 % Frisian, 40 % Dutch, 20% English Systematic use of Frisian, Dutch and English as a medium of instruction. Interactive language education

Trilingual education in Fryslân (2) Results: - Good quality of Frisian - Results of Dutch at the same level at the end of grade 8 as all other pupils in the Netherlands - Results for English slightly better, but not significantly

Reinier Salverda Philosophical principles EU policy and means Concrete actions and best practice

European Perspective European Union - Lisbon treaty: EU shall respect diversity in religion, culture & language - Communication on Multilingualism (M+2) Council of Europe - CRMLS - FCNM

Context Multilingualism is a declared goal of the European Commission Barcelona goal: mother tongue + 2 foreign languages There are many activities in the field of multilingualism Strategic framework for European co-operation in Education and Training (ET 2020) 21

Reference document of the European Commission The Council conclusions for European co- operation in Education and Training ("ET 2020")  New skills for new jobs  New technologies, innovation and creativity  Key skills – computers, reading, maths, natural sciences  Early leavers from education and training, immigrants, learners with special needs 22

ET 2020 – 4 STRATEGIC GOALS Realise lifelong learning and mobility Improve quality and efficiency of education and training Promote equality, social cohesion and active citizenship Promote innovation and creativity – including entrepreneurial spirit – at all levels of education and training 23

INDICATORS AND BENCHMARKS UNTIL 2020 Part of early leavers from education and training should be <10% At least 95% of children aged between 4 and the legal school entrance age should get a preschool education Pay special attention to: mobility, employability, foreign language acquisition (mother tongue + 2) 24

Conclusions

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