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Chapter 1
Europe languages
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www.
edises
.it
Later, in 2005, in order to launch the objectives set in Lisbon, the European
Commission presented a new strategy for language learning in the
communication
“A new framework strategy for multilingualism”.
4
Then in 2006,
through the “
Recommendation of the European Parliament and of the Council”
of 18
December, it set 8
key
competences
5
that a quality education system must
guarantee European citizens, in order to allow them to actively and responsibly
adapt to a globalised and multicultural society. Member States were asked to
define the key elements of their lifelong learning strategies, which ensured
that early education and training would equip young people to develop such
competences for adult life and further learning including working life.
The first two of the eight key competences, are
communication in the mother
tongue
and
communication in foreign languages.
It is fundamental that all key
competences are considered equally important because each of them
contribute to a successful life in a knowledge society. The Recommendation
gave the following definition of the second key competence:
“it is based on the
ability to understand, express and interpret concepts, thoughts, feelings, facts and
opinions
in both oral and written form – listening, speaking reading and writing- in
an appropriate range of societal and cultural context. In education and training, work,
home and leisure-according to one’s wants or needs. Communication in foreign
languages also calls for skills such as mediation and
intercultural comprehension.
An
individual’s level of proficiency will vary between the four dimensions (listening,
speaking, reading and writing) and between the different languages, and according to
his/her social and cultural background, environment, needs and/or interests”.
Further
on it was highlighted that essential knowledge, skills and attitudes related to
this competence, required:
“knowledge of vocabulary and functional grammar and
an awareness of the main types of verbal interaction and registers of language.
Knowledge of
social
conventions
and the
cultural aspect
and
variability of languages
is important”.
Also, it stated that the essential skills for communication in
foreign languages consisted of:
“the ability to understand spoken messages, to
initiate, sustain and conclude conversations and to read, understand and produce
texts appropriate to the individual’s needs”.
Finally, it revealed that individuals
should
“also be able to use aids appropriately and learn languages also informally as
part of lifelong learning”.
In summary, a positive attitude involved “
the appreciation
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CM/Rec (2005) 596 November 22, 2005.
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It is worth listing the eight key competences, as they have been introduced in
December 18,
2006, Recommendation on key competences for lifelong learning
(2006/962/CE):
1) Communication in the mother tongue;
2) Communication in foreign languages;
3) Mathematical competence and basic competences in science and technology;
4) Digital competence;
5) Learning to learn;
6) Social and civic competences;
7) Sense of initiative and entrepreneurship;
8) Cultural awareness and expression.