ECML-EC colloquium:

‘Multiple voices in the classroom: Harnessing the power of regional and minority languages in secondary education’

The colloquium, taking place at the ECML in Graz on 4 December, will explore the impact of demographic changes on the vitality of Regional and Minority Languages (RMLs) and their role in secondary education, examine how evolving policy frameworks are expected to shape RML instruction and investigate the factors likely to motivate newcomers to learn these languages.

The event will also address the challenges RMLs are facing at secondary level in increasingly multilingual classrooms, highlighting promising pedagogical practices. Innovative teaching models to support RML learning which are potentially transferable/adaptable to other contexts will be showcased. A series of video testimonies are planned to illustrate the potential benefits students may gain from learning an RML at secondary level.

The one-day event will seek to build upon the experience of the 2023 colloquium “Regional and minority languages within a plurilingual context” and will involve nominated representatives from the 38 member states of the ECML and the European Union, as well as key networks and associations active in this area.

Target audience:

• Educators and school administrators (secondary level)
• Language policy makers
• Linguists and researchers
• Community leaders and NGOs
• National and Regional Government representatives

If you are interested in applying to participate, please contact your National Nominating Authority: https://www.ecml.at/en/About-us/National-Nominating-Authorities.

For further information see the colloquium website : www.ecml.at/RML2025colloquium