Studies towards a Common European Framework of Reference for language learning and teaching

This study is one of a number commissioned by the Council of Europe in connection with the development of a Common European Framework for language learning, teaching and assessment. The aim of the Framework is to set out in some detail the parameters and categories required to describe the act of human communication through language, as well as the many kinds of knowledge, skill and attitude which underlie the ability and willingness of language users to participate in acts of communication. The Framework is descriptive, not prescriptive. The authors hope that practitioners of all kinds in the language field will be encouraged to reflect on their current practice and to inform clients and colleagues of their objectives and methods in a coherent and transparent way.

The writers of this study make an in-depth examination of all the interdependent factors which need to be taken into account in the devising and implementation of a language policy encouraging every learner to achieve an integrating communication competency spanning a large number of languages and cultures and encompassing not only general competences at different levels, but also balanced partial competences fostering receptive skills.

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