This document discusses developing an effective language policy when working with the government. It outlines the value of being multilingual, including economic, social, political, and cultural benefits. Conversely, it also discusses the penalties of monolingualism. When advocating for language policy changes, the document recommends keeping messages simple, having broad consensus, and involving many stakeholders. It provides examples of UK language needs such as valuing all languages, improving primary language education, ensuring basic multilingualism for secondary graduates, and increasing the number of language specialists. Finally, it offers tips for getting the government's attention, including understanding their priorities and presenting solutions in a way they can understand and support.

1. Working with
government
To develop an effective language
policy
Michael Kelly
27 May 2011

2. Making the case
The value of languages
● Economic – access to external markets
● Social – encourage social cohesion
● Political – understanding the world
● Cultural – personal development

3. The penalties for monolingualism
● Economic – opening up internal market
● Social – inhibiting social relationships
● Political – not understanding the world
● Cultural – limited perspectives

4. A complex message
● Many issues
● Many solutions
● Many audiences
● Many stakeholders
● “We don’t know what you want. You don’t
know what you want.”

5. Getting the act together
● KISS (‘Keep it simple stupid’)
● A small number of simple messages
● High level objectives
● Broad consensus
● Wide involvement

6. www.speaktothefuture.org

7. UK’s language needs
● Every language valued as an asset
● encourage policy makers and citizens to recognise that the many
languages used in the homes of UK citizens are a valuable resource
for social cohesion and economic success.
● A coherent experience of languages for all children in primary
school
● introduce the learning of other languages and cultures as well as
developing a better understanding of how the child’s own languages
work.
● A basic working knowledge of at least two languages including
English for every child leaving secondary school
● equip every school leaver to live and work in a global society where
confidence in learning and using other languages is a major
advantage.

8. UK’s language needs
● Every graduate qualified in a second language
● prepare future leaders in business, the professions,
voluntary organisations, education and research to thrive
and communicate confidently in complex global societies.
● More specialist linguists
● fulfil the growing need, in the UK and internationally, for
English-speaking language professionals including
interpreters, translators, teachers and researchers.

9. Getting the government’s ear
● Identify the government’s concerns and priorities, and
learn their language
● Present clear solutions to problems they recognise
● Give your message through many voices
● Get to know the government - civil servants, politicians
● Invite them to high profile events
● Use champions and influencers