Understanding Foreign Language Education and Bilingual Education in Belgium: A (Surreal) Piece of Cake

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  • Author(s): Mettewie, Laurence; Van Mensel, Luk (ORCID Van Mensel, Luk (ORCID 0000-0003-0438-5860)
  • Language:
    English
  • Source:
    International Journal of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism. 2023 26(5):639-657.
  • Publication Date:
    2023
  • Document Type:
    Journal Articles
    Information Analyses
  • Additional Information
    • Availability:
      Routledge. Available from: Taylor & Francis, Ltd. 530 Walnut Street Suite 850, Philadelphia, PA 19106. Tel: 800-354-1420; Tel: 215-625-8900; Fax: 215-207-0050; Web site: http://www.tandf.co.uk/journals
    • Peer Reviewed:
      Y
    • Source:
      19
    • Education Level:
      Elementary Secondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Second Language Learning; Second Language Instruction; Content and Language Integrated Learning; Foreign Countries; Indo European Languages; Multilingualism; Bilingual Education; Language of Instruction; French; Educational History; Political Influences; Economic Factors; Educational Legislation; Official Languages; Geographic Regions; Elementary Secondary Education
    • Subject Terms:
      Belgium
    • Accession Number:
      10.1080/13670050.2020.1768211
    • ISSN:
      1367-0050
      1747-7522
    • Abstract:
      The aim of the present article is to provide an overview of the current state of affairs regarding foreign language education and bilingual education in the different parts of Belgium. In a brief historical contextualisation, we explain how language education in Belgium has been shaped by the country's political and economic history, which has led to legal constraints concerning the language(s) of instruction as well as foreign language education. A paradoxical situation has now emerged: on the one hand, an apparently straightforward organisation of language education according to a 'one community -- one language' principle; on the other hand, a complex and heterogeneous reality with respect to the organisation of the school system in general and language education in particular. We illustrate the present situation with figures from the different language communities (Dutch-, French-, and German-speaking) on: (1) foreign languages learned at school in regular settings; and (2) alternatives to the regular framework that bypass the constrictive legislation, such as CLIL. The data reveal the intricate make-up of language education in Belgium, reflecting a tailor-made approach taken by each of the three official language communities.
    • Abstract:
      As Provided
    • Publication Date:
      2023
    • Accession Number:
      EJ1386609