The Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants, Strasbourg, June 2008 Introduction to the seminar programme and working methods David Little Trinity College Dublin

The Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants, Strasbourg, June 2008 Background A growing number of Council of Europe member states are defining specific language requirements for persons seeking residence or citizenship status, and applicants are increasingly required to take language and knowledge-of-society tests Requirements relating to language training and tests are usually based on the proficiency levels of the Council of Europe’s Common European Framework of Reference for Languages The level(s) required can vary across member states

The Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants, Strasbourg, June 2008 Aims and working methods The seminar aims to facilitate a wide-ranging discussion of language policies for integration that will –consider how the principles contained in the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages can best support the requirements of member states, particularly as regards language teaching and language testing –explore key issues relating to decisions on language requirements –offer guidance on quality assurance in language training –address fundamental principles of language testing –explore alternative or complementary approaches to assessment Some presentations are based on documents that can be downloaded from the Language Policy Division website All presentations are followed by discussion

The Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants, Strasbourg, June 2008 The programme The current state of play The results of a survey of language requirements for adult migrants (Claire Extramiana and Piet Van Avermaet) A round table on language proficiency requirements, language training and assessment (participants from Czech Republic, France, Germany, Italy and Spain) The Council of Europe perspective Languages in integration policies for adult migrants (Jean-Claude Beacco) The Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the development of policies and language programmes for the integration of adult migrants

The Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants, Strasbourg, June 2008 The programme The provision of language training Quality assurance in the provision of language education and training for adult migrants (Richard Rossner) The new German integration policy – the implementation of a nationwide integration course (Carola Cichos) Tailor-made language education for beginners in Dutch as a second language (Jeroen Devlieghere) The assessment of language proficiency Language tests for social cohesion and citizenship (Henk Kuijper) An alternative approach to teaching and assessment: the experience of Integrate Ireland Language and Training (Barbara Lazenby Simpson)

The Linguistic Integration of Adult Migrants, Strasbourg, June 2008 The programme Contributions from NGOs Sophie Dimitroulias, Association of Women of Southern Europe (AFEM) Véronique Laurens, CIMADE / CLP Closing session Plenary discussion Summary of conclusions