Quality multilingual and multicultural education for lifelong learning

International Mother Language Day (21 February)  celebrates all world languages. For the UNESCO Institute for Lifelong Learning a crucial question is: in pursuit of lifelong learning and quality education for all, how do we respond to the important UNESCO standpoint of linguistic and cultural diversity?

Quality in education is not just a philosophy but also a process which encompasses all the linguistic and cultural resources available to learners. In environments where multilingualism and cultural diversity are ordinary and seen as resources for individuals and for social cohesion, a multilingual ethos can guide educational policy and practice. Such an ethos does not separate languages from each other. Rather, it supports learners in developing language awareness, learning several languages and building respect for different cultures. It helps them to understand how languages and cultures in contact complement each other, and to become skilful communicators in multilingual settings.

The latest edition of UIL’s journal International Review of Education (2011, Vol. 57, no. 5-6), entitled “Quality multilingual and multicultural education for lifelong learning”, showcases 13 examples of innovative policy and practice in mother-tongue-based multilingual education. They show how the principle of diversity as a quality dimension for education and learning can stimulate personal growth, encourage tolerance and promote active participation in society.