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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · 5d

Why top-down language policy matters www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10....
This paper argues that top-down language policy matters and that policymaking would benefit from: (i) a longer historical purview of what has and has not worked, and (ii) more holistic, cross-government approaches.

Why top-down language policy matters

This paper argues that top-down language policy matters and that policymaking would benefit from: (i) a longer historical purview of what has and has not worked, and (ii) more holistic, cross-gover...

www.tandfonline.com

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Reposted

European Commission @ec.europa.eu · 12d

Today is the European Day of Languages. And this year, we mark 25 years of celebrating multilingualism in our Union. 🥳

Languages open doors. They help us connect, explore cultures, make lifelong friends, and journey further.

We remain stronger, united in our diversity.

europa.eu/!6FkntW

An infinity loop made of various European country flags, with a blue heart containing the EU stars at the center-right. Below, bold and regular text reads: "From many languages, one unbreakable bond." A small EU emblem is placed in the bottom-right corner.

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · 28d

BA report shows that worst cold spots in SHAPE are in Modern Foreign Languages: French & German single honours degrees are declining sharply, with cold spots in all 4 UK nations. Progress in expanding provision of non-European languages is being reversed.
www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk/publications...

Cold spots: Mapping inequality in SHAPE provision in UK higher education

This British Academy report reveals that many parts of the UK are becoming subject cold spots – areas with no provision in a subject within a commutable distance. These are often in rural, coastal or ...

www.thebritishacademy.ac.uk

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jul 31

Read UCFL's reaction to the new HEPI report on languages: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/07/31/n...
The recommendations for HE are particularly welcome, as are those around equality of access and social justice. @emmacayley.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social

New HEPI report calls for urgent action on revitalising language learning

UCFL welcomes the release of a new HEPI report, sponsored by Duolingo, that highlights the urgent need for action to support and improve the uptake of languages at school level and beyond. It empha…

university-council-for-languages.org

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jul 17

In the latest episode of the @bennettinstitute.cam.ac.uk's podcast series, Crossing Channels, Benjamin Pitt & I discuss the value of speaking other languages: pod.fo/e/2fb7e1. @benpitt.bsky.social explains how language & culture shape the way people think & the value of cultural/linguistic diversity

Crossing Channels: What is the value of speaking other languages?

In this episode, Richard Westcott is joined by Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Benjamin Pitt to explore a big, everyday question: what is the value of speaking other languages? The conversation looks at ho...

pod.fo

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Emma Cayley 谷曦 @emmacayley.bsky.social · Jul 15

A great afternoon in Westminster thanks to the APPG ML. We presented our collective response to the Curriculum & Assessment Review: university-council-for-languages.org/2025/06/23/c... Was pleased to be there to represent @ucflangs.bsky.social with @wendya-b.bsky.social & @marcecazzoli.bsky.social

Response to the Interim Curriculum and Assessment Review (CAR).

In the interim report of the Curriculum and Assessment Review of March 2025 , the subject ‘Languages’ was classified as requiring Category 1 intervention, i.e., a subject currently deem…

university-council-for-languages.org

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jul 9

In our final LSP opinion piece, Biddle and Andrews present inspiring examples of close-to-practice research. The entire collection underlines the vital role of collaboration. Let's all work together! @charlesforsdick
www.lspjournal.com/post/how-can...

How can we move from cold spots to hot spots? Learning from current practices which nurture languages education in the four nations of the United Kingdom

Jo Biddle and Jane Andrews | 9th July 2025 | Opinion PieceIn this opinion piece, Jo Biddle and Jane Andrews consider a small set of examples of close-to-practice research from the four nations of the ...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jun 25

What does it mean to think like a linguist? And how can we bring creativity and inclusive culture into language learning? Read Charlotte Ryland's fascinating piece in our LSP edited collection www.lspjournal.com/post/think-l... @cforsdick.bsky.social

Think Like a Linguist: Community and collaboration for a new languages curriculum

In this article, Charlotte Ryland reflects on how the learning from creative translation and languages advocacy projects can feed into languages curriculum reform. By focusing in particular on the lin...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jun 11

Jonathan McBride looks at the power of stories in the language learning classroom in this week's LSP opinion piece. He brings interesting international insights:
www.lspjournal.com/post/the-pow... @cforsdick.bsky.social

The Power of Stories in the Languages Classroom

Jonathan McBride | 11th June 2025 | Opinion Piece In this article, Edinburgh-based languages teacher Jonathan McBride argues that stories have the potential to transform modern languages teaching at a...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jun 4

Fiona Barclay considers the longstanding deficit in the social value associated with languages, true not just of Scotland, but across the UK. She proposes 3 avenues for improving public perceptions of languages www.lspjournal.com/post/languag... @cforsdick.bsky.social

‘Language capital’: reframing formal language-learning in Scotland.

Fiona Barclay | 3rd June 2025 | Opinion PieceIn this article, Fiona Barclay considers the longstanding deficit in the social value associated with languages. She argues that this deficit has contribut...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Jun 4

In our next LSP opinion piece Rowena Kasprowicz tackles the thorny issue of transition from KS2 to KS3 www.lspjournal.com/post/bridgin... An important intervention in light of the curriculum reviews onging in England, Scotland and NI. @cforsdick.bsky.social

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 28

What can mainstream modern languages education learn from Irish-medium practitioners? Thomas Rogan shares some fascinating insights in Languages, Society and Policy: www.lspjournal.com/post/languag... @cforsdick.bsky.social

Language teachers of Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) in mainstream primary schools – what can they learn from Irish-Medium (IM) practitioners?

In this opinion piece, Thomas Rogan suggests three ways in which teachers of MFL in mainstream primary classrooms might enhance their practice by taking cognisance of the practice of IM practitioners.

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 28

How can primary languages best be taken forward in Northern Ireland? Read Sharon Jones's piece on this in Languages, Society and Policy: www.lspjournal.com/post/towards... @cforsdick.bsky.social

Towards Language Education Excellence in Northern Ireland’s Primary Schools

Sharon Jones | 28th May 2025 | Opinion PieceIn this opinion piece, Sharon Jones, drawing on her teaching and research in languages and education, reflects on the potential of broadening access to the ...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 21

Many of us were inspired to be language learners by our international experiences - Vicky Gough and Philip Harding-Esch make a powerful case for the need for this for young learners today. @lspjournal.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social

Languages, Society and Policy @lspjournal.bsky.social · May 21

🌍 What happens when international exchanges vanish from schools and universities?

Vicky Gough and Philip Harding-Esch argue for restoring international experiences to the heart of language learning—for all learners, not just a privileged few. www.lspjournal.com/post/interna...

International experiences for all

Vicky Gough and Philip Harding-Esch | 21st May 2025 | Opinion Piece In this article, Vicky Gough and Philip Harding-Esch, drawing on their professional engagements with key stakeholders, argue that th...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 15

In our next @lspjournal.bsky.social opinon piece @clairegorrara.bsky.social and Lucy Jenkins explore the new curriculum for languages in Wales. What could the rest of the UK learn from what Wales is doing? www.lspjournal.com/post/new-cur... @cforsdick.bsky.social

New Curriculum, New Languages Education? How International Languages Education is Changing in Wales

In the following opinion article, Claire Gorrara and Lucy Jenkins explore how the Curriculum for Wales represents a radical shift in language education, embedding International Languages into the core...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 13

Here is the next of our opinion pieces in @lspjournal.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social by Suzanne Graham and Alison Porter: www.lspjournal.com/post/rethink... This important piece on primary education should be read by anyone interested in the ongoing Curriculum and Assessment Review.

Rethinking the Purpose of Language Education

Suzanne Graham and Alison Porter | 14th May 2025 | Opinion PieceIn the following opinion article Suzanne Graham and Alison Porter argue that primary language education needs a more meaningful and cohe...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 7

How do we meet the challenge of language teacher shortages? Read Lisa Panford's new thought-provoking piece in LSP on the recruitment of teachers of Colour:
www.lspjournal.com/post/the-rec... @cforsdick.bsky.social @lspjournal.bsky.social

The Recruitment and Retention of Languages Teachers of Colour from the Global South in England

In the following opinion article Lisa Panford finds that urgent intervention is needed to address the conditions into which languages teachers of Colour from the Global South are inducted. Further, th...

www.lspjournal.com

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · May 7

The @lspjournal.bsky.social series on Languages in UK Education is back! @cforsdick.bsky.social Neil Kenny explores alternative qualifications in languages post-GCSE. Could a level 3 certificate be an incentive for STEM students to continue with a language?

Languages, Society and Policy @lspjournal.bsky.social · May 7

📘 New from Languages in UK Education series 👇
Can students keep learning languages after GCSE—without a full A-level?
Neil Kenny proposes a practical, flexible Level 3 ‘Applied Languages’ certificate.
Read more: www.lspjournal.com/post/time-fo...

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Apr 24

www.mhra.org.uk/news/2025/04...
Read about our MHRA-funded project to produce readable summaries for policymakers @themhra.bsky.social @cforsdick.bsky.social @oliviaglaze.bsky.social Watch this space for ways to engage!

Making Languages Research Accessible to Policymakers

Interviewing Dr Liv Glaze, MHRA Languages and Policy Postdoctoral Researcher, and her mentors Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett and Professor Charles Forsdick.

www.mhra.org.uk

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Apr 23

classiques-garnier.com/remarques-sur-la-langue-francoise-1.html
New version out today at (relatively) bargain price of 13,93 €! New cover to mark the Classiques Jaunes series.

wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Apr 22

www.murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk/qa/championi...

Championing modern languages and linguistics and shaping the future of language policy in the UK

Professor Charles Forsdick and Professor Wendy Ayres-Bennett

www.murrayedwards.cam.ac.uk

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Apr 2

Coming next month in a new format for just 21 eurs:

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Reposted

Li Wei 李嵬 @professorliwei.bsky.social · Apr 1

www.britishcouncil.org/school-resou...

www.britishcouncil.org

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wendya-b.bsky.social @wendya-b.bsky.social · Mar 24

Launching the opinion articles in our LPS collection @cforsdick.bsky.social , a great piece by John Worne. He argues the UK’s national narrative needs to evolve: rather than focusing only on 'fluency', a more appropriate measure is proficiency and utility. www.lspjournal.com/post/the-uk-...

The UK's Languages Crisis: Time to Embrace Our Imperfection?

John Worne | 24th March 2025 | Opinion ArticlesIn the following opinion article John Worne argues that the UK’s national narrative needs to evolve to encourage regular engagement with languages at all...

www.lspjournal.com

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German Embassy London @uk.diplo.de · Mar 17

This week let's celebrate the German language!

👉 Your favourite German word?
👉 That incredible trip to Deutschland?
👉 Your German teacher, aka the best teacher of all time?

Use #ShoutOutForGerman and show everyone what German means to you!

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