Language policies in higher education institutions in Ireland: Some preliminary findings

The format and nature of language policies differs from one institution to another. However, they usually take the form of a document outlining the languages offered at different levels to both specialist and non-specialist language learners. In other words, a language policy defines the language learning profile of an institution by presenting a considered view of the diversity of languages to be offered and to whom. Policies generally also describe the decision-making structures required to facilitate their development and implementation as well as at least some of the following: teaching and learning procedures designed to support and encourage language learning, desired language learning outcomes, the monitoring and evaluation of student achievement and the quality of language teaching and learning, and, finally, the training and professional development of language teachers. This paper contains the results of a preliminary study of a range of Irish higher education institutions (HEIs) regarding their language policies .