Promotion of Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity
The Promotion of Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity through the aquatic sciences ERASMUS network Aqua-tnet.
The first article in the Special Issue of Aquaculture International The Promotion of Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity through the aquatic sciences ERASMUS network AQUA-TNET by Margaret Eleftheriou and Annie Heral has just been published and is available as 'Online First' on SpringerLink
Abstract
The ERASMUS academic network AQUA-TNET, prompted by reports of a lack of concern regarding language training provision for exchange students which had been raised in successive European Universities Association Trends reports, carried out a detailed examination of the language training provided by its partners for exchange students through its Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity group. The group carried out several European-wide surveys to ascertain whether the reported lack of concern was also evident in the AQUA-TNET partnership. The results of these surveys reveal some disparity between staff and student perceptions of language provision for exchange students. The group also investigated the incidence of English as the main delivery language for aquatic science courses, as well as the need for language provision at the basic rather than the intermediate or advanced level, as advocated by the academic sector. The AQUA-TNET Language Learning and Linguistic Diversity group’s activities were responsible for several studies and reports used to inform or update the network on developments relevant to their language learning policies: desk study on marine science courses in the AQUA-TNET network; review of European schools’ language (and science) policies; reports on EUROPASS, the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages and the use of the Internet for delivery of multilingual language learning. The needs analysis derived from the student survey on online language course provision led to changes in the chosen online language course.
