Multilingualism in Europe, policy and some case studies Cor van der Meer Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning Fryske Akademy Conference Kazakhstan April, 2013

Overview Fryslân and the Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning Multilingualism in Europe Some case studies

Visit Chinese delegation, November 2010

Well-known outside Fryslân

Frisian in Fryslân (Netherlands) Autochthonous minority language Western Germanic language Fryslân has 640,000 inhabitants 55% has Frisian as mother tongue (= speakers) BUT: Frisian is successful as second language: 65% can read Frisian; 74% can speak Frisian; 94% comprehends Frisian.

Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning Platform in Europe and beyond Information/documentation and Research Centre. Funded by the Province of Fryslân and the municipality of Ljouwert/Leeuwarden.

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

Fields of research Added value of multilingualism and multilingual education. New technologies; distant language (and culture) learning. Application of the CEFR and the ELP in Europe. Informal learning and promotion of reading in families & households.

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

Projects Mercator Network of Language Diversity Centres MELT: Multilingual Early Language Transmission EUNoM: The European Universities’ Network on Multilingualism More Languages, More Opportunities Added Value of Multilingualism Language Rich Europe Poliglotti4.eu

Study Visits

European Values Non discrimination Mutual respect & understanding Right on Education in mother tongue

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) 15

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 16

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 17

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) 18

Why bilingual education? Right on education in mother tongue Pedagogical development Social integration Cultural participation Language maintenance

European languages State languages: English, Spanish, French, Dutch Immigrant minority languages: Turkish, Arabic Sign languages Regional or minority languages –Unique Minority Languages –Minority Languages with a kin-state

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

Education in the Basque Country A – SpanishB – Basque & SpanishD – Basque Primary10 %28 %62 % Secondary20 %28 %52 % (Gorter & Cenoz, 2011) Percentage of pupils in the three language school models

Frisian and Basque compared Both receive legal support Both have problems in the production of educational materials Limited availability of qualified teachers Effects of Globalisation: immigration, tourism, new technologies of communication (social media) Strong demand for English from parents

Unique and Cross-border languages Differences: Orientation and possibly in tensions Similarities in ambitions: Peaceful, mutual respect Every child: two mother tongues +2

Cross border languages German in Italy –Teacher training –Teaching materials, Only partly shared with kin states

Good Practice Swedish in Finland –Teacher Training –Teaching material –Good co-operation

Recommendations Two mother tongue education Two-way language learning Common minimum European standards Receptive bi-lingualism A-symmetry in conversation Devolvement of power Explore new ICT technologies

Conclusions Same problem area’s everywhere There is no overall solution There are good practices available New opportunities with ICT If you need more information, please visit our website

Köszönöm Haristo Mersi dit Tak Danke Hvala Teşekkür ederim Dzãczi Thank you Tige tank Ful toank