A language policy for a multilingual society
This initiative brought together experts in the field of language policy – from the UK and abroad – for a programme of informal and formal discussion between June and November 2001. This was intended to culminate in the publication of a paper outlining a framework and a methodology for the development of an Anglo-specific language policy, which would inform government debate on the subject.
A seven-strong Working Group* formulated the document which was to form the basis of discussions at a meeting of the project Reference Group. Professor Christopher Brumfitt prepared a preliminary draft, which was ultimately revised in the light of detailed suggestions made by the Working and Reference Groups.
The various discussions resulted in the publication of a four-page document 'Agenda for Languages', which was officially launched at the 'festival of languages', coordinated by Cilt, which was held at the ICC in Birmingham on 10 October 2001.
The document was distributed to delegates at the conference and has since been circulated to government, members of the House of Lords and relevant parties at local and regional level.
It provides a vision of languages and language capability as basic life skills and offers key messages which the authors believe are capable of being widely shared within the particular and diverse context of the UK:
Agenda for Languages can be viewed on the European Year of Languages website.
In addition, an eight-page rationale and framework document was produced to accompany and elucidate the shorter paper. This has been distributed to those specifically involved with the development of a national languages policy, most notably the members of the Languages National Steering Group.
The members of the Working Group were:
Professor Chris Brumfitt, University of Southampton
Professor Viv Edwards, University of Reading
Dr Richard Johnstone, Scottish CILT
Dr Lid King, CILT
Terry Lamb, University of Nottingham
Alan Moys, Nuffield Languages Inquiry
Derek Winslow: Languages National Training Organisation
