Press release
A very early start for foreign language learning?
Culture - 29-08-2006 - 14:15
Member States should include at least two foreign languages from a very early age in their school programmes, says the Culture and Education Committee. MEPs in the committee acknowledge that it is difficult, in particular for those whose mother tongue is English, to maintain sufficient interest and motivation in becoming proficient in other European languages, which would underpin mutual understanding and empathy across Europe.
In adopting a non-binding report originally drawn up by Christopher Beazley (EPP-ED, UK), the committee also stressed the importance of school curricula providing support measures for the European dimension. All education systems in the EU should ensure that, by the end of their secondary education, their pupils have the knowledge and competences they need to prepare them for their role as future EU citizens. The "European dimension" has two aspects: firstly, access to information about the EU, its institutions, methods and practices, and ,secondly, the development of linguistic skills, with learning the languages of neighbouring peoples being especially important.
The committee is also recommending an exchange of best practice between all Member States with regard to language teaching and the inclusion of European content in education. Members suggest the promotion of teacher training courses to provide the necessary understanding of European issues so teachers can may complement their teaching of national and local issues with European ones.
28/08/2006
Committee on Culture and Education
Chair : Nikolaos Sifunakis (PES, EL)
Chair : Nikolaos Sifunakis (PES, EL)
Procedure: Own-initiative
Plenary vote: September II, Strasbourg
REF.: 20060828IPR10122