unesco-view/news/enhancing_language_ability
In a globalized and culturally diverse world, language ability has become increasingly important. It cements human societies, supports cultural vitality and makes socio-economic development possible. Language ability is also essential for cognitive development and as such allows the fulfilment of individual potential and broader learning.
Participants attending the International
Conference on Language held in Suzhou, China, from 5 to 6 June agreed
that good quality language education is the most effective means for
enhancing language abilities.
After a day and a half of deliberations, the over
400 education officials, academics and educators from 90 countries
attending the Conference further determined that quality language
education needs well trained teachers, innovation and continued
research, especially on the use of ICT for language teaching.
Furthermore, as instruction in the learner’s mother
tongue is fundamental to improving educational outcomes, participants
agreed that mother tongue-based education needs to continue at least
through primary education. The participants also considered that
promoting exchange and learning among peoples, institutions and nations
is another important means of enhancing language abilities. Through
language immersion programmes and other similar international exchange
programmes, the development of language abilities in a variety of
languages can also foster mutual understanding and peaceful co-existence
among peoples.
Finally, quality language education implies paying
greater attention to the needs of all learners and in particular those
who are visually and hearing impaired.
For more information on the final Conclusions of the International Conference on Language (pdf), organized by the People’s Republic of China in partnership with UNESCO, please go to the conference website http://icl.jsjyt.gov.cn/index_en.php
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