Akadēmiskais centrsInta Līsmane
Dr. paed., LU Humanitāro zinātņu fakultātes docente.
Pētnieciskās intereses: valodas filozofija, valodniecība un terminoloģija, komunikācijas teorijas.
Kontakti: inta.lismane@lu.lv
Ilze Ruža
Mg. philol., LU Humanitāro zinātņu fakultātes lektore.
Pētnieciskās intereses: angļu valoda un literatūra, valodniecība un terminoloģija.
Kontakti: ilze.ruza@lu.lv
Atslēgvārdi: ārvalstu studenti, akadēmiskā mobilitāte, valodas apguves vide, latviešu valodas kompetence.
https://doi.org/10.22364/ilt.22.07 | 76–91 | PDF
Numbers and Facts: Foreign Students in the Context of Latvian Language Learning
The twenty-first century with its rapidly changing socio-economic and cultural situation has introduced the necessity for transformations in higher education. Language and education must be viewed in close relationship. The 21st century is characterized by the necessity of multicultural paradigm in education. When different cultures meet, it becomes necessary to solve communication problems, to understand universal values, as well as various languages and cultures, ways of communication.
Quality education is a precondition for successful development in the contemporary society. The learning society has broadened the meaning of education, learning and knowledge. Currently many students choose to work abroad. In our rapidly changing situation, the main priority is the New Man, who will live, work and be able to operate productively, contributing to a process of the development. Personal and professional competence is named as an important factor for every student and specialist not only at present, but also in the future. This article analyses the results of higher education, as reflected in the knowledge, skills, social aptitudes and values of university graduates, looking at the extent to which these are in line with the demands of the labour market.
The purpose of the paper is to analyse the Latvian language as a means of society integration and cohesion, and on the basis of conducted analysis and the best practice review to elaborate suggestions for further society integration opportunities. The study applies evaluation design as it provides an overview of the corresponding legal enactments in the field of official language and society integration policy and implementation thereof, an analysis of educational opportunities in the context of language learning with aparticular emphasis on non-formal adult language learning. The paper also considers the examples of best practice in the field.
Language learning is offered both in formal and non-formal education. Significant contributors to developing people’s Latvian language competence are higher education institutions providing both formal and non-formal language learning opportunities for inhabitants of Latvia and foreigners.
The findings of the study indicate that in furthering the Latvian language competence it is necessary to develop comprehensive programmes that focus on creation of open and integrated society. It is necessary to continue conceiving and implementation of language acquisition projects, which would result in creation of methodological and methodical base for language learning that would enhance education quality and serve as a basis for further society integration and cohesion.