What is the best way to encourage language learning?

The public think it's an early start...

During September and November 2007, the European Commission carried out a survey of public opinion on multilingualism and language policy.

Over 2,400 people from across Europe completed the online questionnaire which covered issues ranging from the purpose of language learning to language teaching and the role of language in business and social integration.

The results were overwhelmingly positive not only for language learning in general – 96% agreed that language skills are important for their everyday and professional life – but also for emphasising the significance of an early start, ranked by 78% of respondents as the most important factor for becoming a successful language learner.  

Read the full report on the consultation, published 15 April 2008.