Description
Book SynopsisThis book explores how different European education systems manage multilingualism. Each chapter focuses on one of ten diverse settings (Andorra, Asturias, the Basque Country, Catalonia, England, Finland, France, Latvia, the Netherlands and Romania) and considers how its education system is influenced by historical, sociolinguistic and legislative and political processes and how languages are handled within the system, stressing the challenges and opportunities in each area of study. The chapters provide the reader with insights around three key aspects: the management of the guarantee of the rights of regional language minorities; the incorporation of the language background inherited by immigrants living in Europe (whether they are European citizens or not) and the need to promote the learning of international languages. Individually, the chapters offer deep insights into a specific education system and, together, the studies allow for a comparison and holistic understanding of multilingualism in European education.
Trade ReviewCombining carefully conducted case studies in various European settings about the social, legal and linguistic complexities of establishing fair and efficient language regimes, this book offers a wealth of insights that will be valuable not just as reference points for future research, but also for policymakers and educationalists entrusted with the implementation of the European commitment to multilingualism.
* Florian Coulmas, University of Duisburg-Essen, Germany *
This book is essential reading for educators, researchers, and policymakers concerned with language education policies and instructional practices across Europe. At a time of unprecedented population mobility, political instability, and national debates about identity and belonging, this snapshot of current educational realities is of immense value.
* Jim Cummins, University of Toronto, Canada *
An enlightening, enthralling and methodologically rigorous book that copes with an extremely challenging topic in today’s increasingly multicultural and multilingual European society. A team of highly-qualified experts cast an instructive light on the nooks and crannies of a subject matter that will have an impact on generations to come in countries with different sociolinguistic and educational backgrounds.
* Matteo Santipolo, University of Padova, Italy *
Table of ContentsIntroduction. Cecilio Lapresta & Ángel Huguet
Chapter 1. Montserrat Sendra & F. Xavier Vila-Moreno: Catalonia
Chapter 2. José-María Madariaga: The Basque Country
Chapter 3. Xosé Antón González-Riaño & Alberto Fernández-Costales: Principality of Asturias
Chapter 4. Josep M. Díaz Torrent & Carli Bastida Serra: Principality of Andorra
Chapter 5. Juan Jiménez Salcedo: France
Chapter 6. Theophile Munyangeyo & Saadia Gamir: England
Chapter 7. Andreu van Hooft, Frank van Meurs, Ulrike Nederstigt, Berna Hendriks, Brigitte Planken & Sjoerd van den Berg: The Netherlands
Chapter 8. Adelina Ianos, Clara Sansó & Cristina Petreñas: Romania
Chapter 9. Sanita Lazdiņa & Heiko F. Marten: Latvia
Chapter 10. John Smeds: Finland
Conclusions. Cristina Petreñas, Clara Sansó, Judit Janés, Ester Caballé, María Torres and Isabel Sáenz
