Resumen de The figures behind language learning

Esmé Prentice

• In this age of globalisation, there is a growing interest for being able to communicate with others in languages different from one’s own mother tongue. Gaining proficiency in non-native languages is increasingly desirable and keenly sought after by individuals, education systems and society as a whole. In this new context, the world of language learning is evolving very quickly. Nowadays there is considerably more at stake for the language learner to demonstrate proficiency given the implications for greater mobility and employment opportunities. As a result, more importance is being given to language placement testing and accreditation. This upturn in interest is also apparent from the scope of resources being used to further language learning, such as research in neuroscience, collaborative language learning initiatives and self-study options. There is no shortage of sources of data for observing the wide array of aspects related to language learning which, in turn, can help to assess its impact on society and help shape strategies and policies for the future.