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. 📖: https://t.co/2AYQFnvQUM

📢 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.

🌍 Heritage speakers and adult learners often feel excluded because their language use isn't “perfect.” Yet they bring critical skills and cultural insight to classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

🏢 Employers value confident communication, not flawless grammar. Language education must prepare learners for real-world use—not just native-like fluency.

📉 Thousands in the UK speak languages at A2–B2 level—but their skills go unrecognized. We’re stuck in a “fluency or failure” mentality. That has to change.

📚 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. 🧵👇 https://t.co/KFMJnVENdP

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. https://t.co/CDrr2fb5gC

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:

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

6/ A National Language Strategy is Essential 🇬🇧 Current policy is fragmented across education, skills, community cohesion, and diplomacy. A holistic national strategy would secure funding & long-term commitment to language learning in the UK.

5/ Rethinking EAL Support 🏫 Shifting EAL provision from one-on-one student support to teacher training would equip more educators with the skills to integrate diverse learners in mainstream classrooms effectively.

4/ Addressing the Teacher Supply Crisis 👩‍🏫 Modern foreign languages (MFL) & BSL face critical teacher shortages. Solutions include better initial teacher training (ITT), CPD opportunities & improved recruitment strategies for all language educators.

3/ Expanding Language Qualifications 🎓 A lack of GCSE/A-Level options for HHCLs discourages students from pursuing these languages. Policy must rethink examination access, alternative certifications, and vocational pathways for diverse language learners.

2/ Recognizing Heritage & Community Languages (HHCLs) 🏡 HHCLs are often marginalised in mainstream education, despite their cultural, societal & economic benefits. Stronger links between mainstream & supplementary schools, as well as fairer university admissions, are essential.

1/Beyond Hierarchies ⚖️ Language education in the UK has long favoured Western European languages (French, German, Spanish), sidelining minoritised & heritage languages. A more joined-up approach is needed to promote equal access & avoid unintended exclusions.

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? 🧵👇 https://t.co/CRM1ePKWSY

🔎 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. 👇