INCORPORATING ENGLISH AS A PRIMARY LANGUAGE INTO THE ANDORRAN EDUCATIONAL SYSTEM

Year 2019, Volume: 8 Issue: 1, 31 - 50, 30.06.2019

Claudine Van Santvoort

Abstract

The aim of this paper is to propose how to incorporate English as a main language into the Andorran educational system starting in primary school, using a combination of Content and Language Integrated Learning and traditional language classes, in order to address the increasing need for Andorran students to be proficient in English as a result of the global spread of the English language and Andorra´s situation within Europe. Although English is taught as a foreign language within the Andorran educational system, students are not graduating with a sufficient level of proficiency in English to meet today´s demands. The primary method of data collection was acquired through the review of literature concerning language education, plurilingualism and the role of the English language in globalization. We also conducted a semi-structured interview with the director of the Andorran school system as well as with a local primary school principal in order to gather relevant data regarding the reality within the country. As a conclusion, we will demonstrate that students´ linguistic proficiency will improve, not only in children at a high socioeconomic level, but also in students that cannot afford to study English outside of school.

Keywords

Global english, multilingual education, CLIL, language education.

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