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LANGUAGES AND ADULT EDUCATION

The aims of this chapter are:

• to highlight the importance for adults of understanding and speaking at least one European language in addition to their mother tongue: In the E.U., especially in relation to its enlargement in 2004, the knowledge of one or more European languages is an imperative for all European citizens. Successful language learning does not depend on age, but on motivation and on language learning strategies that need to be adapted to adults’ needs;
• to promote adult language learning, in particular in higher education institutions: while nowadays young people learn as a rule a second, in many cases also a third language at school, the majority of adults did not have this opportunity when they went to school;
• to show the prime role of higher education institutions in promoting adult language learning and to suggest how they can contribute to enhance adult participation and to include more groups;
• to consider the role of language learning as a key to other cultures. Knowledge of a language permits entry into other cultures and can therefore establish and improve relations with various other European countries. One of the treasures of Europe is its linguistic and cultural diversity . This treasure must be carefully cultivated;
• To profit from the experience of other countries as indicated by a number of case studies from Belgium, Bulgaria, Greece, France and Italy.


Towers of Babel: from Babylonia Poster - supplement to "Babylonia. A Journal of Language Teaching and Learning", 4/2001