The adult learner in Gaelic language-in-education policy: language revitalisation and the CEFR

Carty, N. (2014) The adult learner in Gaelic language-in-education policy: language revitalisation and the CEFR. European Journal of Language Policy, 6(2), pp. 195-217. (doi: 10.3828/ejlp.2014.11)

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Publisher's URL: http://online.liverpooluniversitypress.co.uk/loi/ejlp

Abstract

In Scotland, as in the UK as a whole, multilingual education is becoming an important priority. An additional political priority in Scotland is the revitalisation of Scottish Gaelic after centuries of decline. At the intersection of these priority areas lies Gaelic language-in-education policy (LEP). However, the potential of Gaelic LEP to contribute to language revitalisation is not currently being fulfilled. This paper discusses some of the issues surrounding LEP in relation to adult learners of Gaelic. In this paper, I argue that findings from second language acquisition (SLA) research should play a more prominent role in LEP. This discussion is embedded in the context of Gaelic language revitalisation. Through bringing together these traditionally distinct areas of language studies, shortcomings in Gaelic LEP - particularly in terms of curriculum and methods and materials design - can be overcome.In Scotland, as in the UK as a whole, multilingual education is becoming an important priority. An additional political priority in Scotland is the revitalisation of Scottish Gaelic after centuries of decline. At the intersection of these priority areas lies Gaelic language-in-education policy (LEP). However, the potential of Gaelic LEP to contribute to language revitalisation is not currently being fulfilled. This paper discusses some of the issues surrounding LEP in relation to adult learners of Gaelic. In this paper, I argue that findings from second language acquisition (SLA) research should play a more prominent role in LEP. This discussion is embedded in the context of Gaelic language revitalisation. Through bringing together these traditionally distinct areas of language studies, shortcomings in Gaelic LEP - particularly in terms of curriculum and methods and materials design - can be overcome.

Item Type:Articles (Other)
Keywords:Language-in-education policy, language revitalisation, second language acquisition (SLA), Common European Framework for Languages (CEFR)
Status:Published
Refereed:Yes
Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID:Carty, Dr Nicola
Authors: Carty, N.
Subjects:P Language and Literature > P Philology. Linguistics
P Language and Literature > PB Modern European Languages > PB1501 Scottish Gaelic Language
College/School:College of Arts & Humanities > School of Humanities > Celtic and Gaelic
Journal Name:European Journal of Language Policy
Publisher:Liverpool University Press
ISSN:1757-6822
ISSN (Online):1757-6830

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