LSP Policy Journal

We’re delighted to announce the release of a new LSP - Languages in UK Education special collection, guest-edited by @charlesforsdick and @WendyBennett21. It explores how the UK can embrace its linguistic diversity and tackle the languages crisis. 📖: lspjournal.com

📢 LSP now on Bluesky! Connect with us at @lspjournal.bsky.social for updates, insights, and conversations on languages and language policy.

🔜 Stay tuned for more opinion pieces in this series—each one exploring fresh perspectives on policy, practice, and inclusion in UK language education.

💬 A mindset shift is needed: We must embrace mistakes, build learner confidence, and promote usable language skills for all.

📚 Our Languages in UK Education collection continues—with a new series of opinion articles. In this opening piece, @johnworne calls for a shift in how we value language skills in the UK. 🧵👇lspjournal.com/post/the-uk-s-…

Transformations in MLs are "helping to ensure that language learning and research are embedded in local, regional, national and global contexts, attuned to human mobility and more aware of the policy dimensions that necessarily arise."

🧵New paper out! How effective is GPT-4 for analyzing hate speech on social media? Our research in the Journal of Multicultural Discourses explores this important question. tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.10…

8/ Languages are vital to the UK’s future. 🌍 Beyond skills, they foster cognitive health, cultural empathy & international competitiveness. Read the full postface for an in-depth discussion: lspjournal.com/post/languages…

7/ Future Research & Policy Priorities 🔎 Key areas needing further exploration: ✅ Language provision in primary schools ✅ Transition gaps between education stages ✅ Impact of cultural immersion programs post-Brexit ✅ AI & digital technologies in language learning

The postface by @WendyBennett21 & @charlesforsdick in the Languages in UK Education special collection highlights key themes shaping the future of language education in the UK. What are the main takeaways? 🧵👇lspjournal.com/post/languages…

🔎 The "Doughnut Language Policy" borrows from economics, balancing: • Linguistic vitality • Social cohesion • Equality & inclusion • Cultural enjoyment

📚 Educational reforms are key: 🔹 Train teachers to view linguistic diversity as a resource. 🔹 Avoid punitive policies banning English in Welsh-medium schools. 🔹 Promote equal opportunities for all students, including those with additional learning needs. 👇

🌍 How can Wales promote the Welsh language without unintended consequences like inequality and social division? @DaveJSayers proposes a "Doughnut Language Policy" to balance linguistic vitality with broader social wellbeing. 🧵👇lspjournal.com/post/doughnut-…