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The modern world is increasingly characterised by interactions that extend well beyond the confines of national borders. Within the #EU, this development can be seen for example in the single market and the free movement of individuals. On a wider scale, globalisation, economic growth in developing economies, and improved transport infrastructure have resulted, among others, in a considerable shift in world trading patterns and a higher proportion of the world’s population being able to visit other countries, whether for business, pleasure or other reasons.
Language and cultural barriers are two aspects which restrict the level of geographic mobility within the #EU. By contrast, foreign language skills have the potential to increase the mobility, employability and personal development of Europeans. Indeed, they can give individuals a competitive advantage in labour markets: this is particularly true for those working in senior management, multinational firms or sales and marketing.
English language skills are well-established as an important (business) skill, and English is by far the most widely-spoken foreign language in the #EU. Alongside the importance of English, in a world of increasing international exchanges, the ability to speak other foreign languages is of particular importance in large markets where there is relatively little English spoken — for example, in China, Brazil or Russia.
In September 2008, the European Commission adopted a Communication titled ’Multilingualism: an asset for Europe and a shared commitment’, which was followed in November 2008 by a Council Resolution on a 'European strategy for multilingualism'. These addressed languages in the wider context of social cohesion and prosperity and focused on actions to encourage and assist citizens in acquiring language skills. The Resolution invited the #EU Member States and the European Commission to promote multilingualism with a view to strengthening the European economy’s competitiveness, people’s mobility and employability, social cohesion, intercultural dialogue and European construction.
ITs, digitalisation and communication
Having a digitally-connected society depends on cross-lingual communication. Only about 2 of every 5 people in Europe understand a foreign language well enough to be able to communicate online. Technology is promoting multilingualism by making language education more accessible.
Learning a language virtually could address the distance, time and cost that people say is holding them back. Belgian web-based school, The English Academy Online, provides private English coaching to adults online. The school’s director, Edgard Frederix, considers this to be “an easy-to-use, flexible and very reliable” solution to give students outside Brussels access to coaches and resources.
Spanish tutor Vanessa Pérez, who uses digital tools to provide personalised teaching to students in London, explains how the tools provide an efficient way to practice different language skills: “Some students just need to practice speaking, listening and conversation, and as lessons are cheaper using digital tools, I can tutor online that way.”
Multilingual digital TV & Radio
TV & Radio digitalisation enables the exchange of good practice in specific areas of multilingual radio (dubbing techniques, information processing, optimization of work, etc.). The digitisation of radio spectrum is an advantage and the use of new ITs as an enriching and unifying element may lead to create an active TV & Radio network at European level.
Future
Evolving technology has the potential to reinvent language education. Some digital tools that translate speech in real time will revolutionise communication and the way students learn and interact with the world. Common understanding of European culture and values depends on learning foreign languages – and technology can be a facilitator.