This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein
This project has been funded with support from the European Commission.
This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein
basic information
THE INITIATIVE PROMOTER’S PERSPECTIVE
The initiative “Studying Balkan Languages – Road to European Culture” is promoted by the Department for Language Teaching and International Students (DLTIS) at Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”. It is aimed at:
Young adults – from different professional fields; foreign students in Bulgaria; children at schools age as well as children of immigrants in Bulgaria;
Adults – from various fields of activity: humanitarians, businessmen, administrators, bank employees, lawyers, technical specialists, medical personnel, disadvantaged people, immigrants, etc.
The target languages are Bulgarian as a foreign language, Greek, Romanian, Turkish, Serbian and Croatian. The levels covered are levels A2, B1, B2, C1, C2.
The main project objective is to bring language learning and teaching closer to real communication.
The language learning is carried out in standard groups, mini-groups or individually depending on the students’ preferences. The following methodological principles are being implemented: communication skills, structural functionality, consciousness, clearness, professional orientation. The main teaching method is theoretically-practical. The supplementary methods are: direct, translation, audio-visual and audio-lingual. The learning process is based on programmes and learning materials developed by the Department for Language Teaching and International Students (DLTIS) at the Sofia University “St. Kliment Ohridski”, which have been previously tested in view of their effectiveness.
The teaching module is based on the following instruments for linguistic competence:
- programmes
- systems for evaluation and validation of the language competences – tailor-made standardized tests developed according to the requirements of the Common European Frameworks of Reference (CEFR)
- original teaching methodological systems for intensive, semi-intensive and supportive language education
Included are also new methods for representation of the learning material:
- audio recordings (on tapes and CDs) in the target language
- workshops on interests: culture, folklore, history (Bulgarian and Balkan), theatre, dances, songs
- using educational feature films
- organising educational and discussion forums in Balkan languages.
Some of the performed activities include:
- Organising an international conference “Education without borders. Language and Culture”
- Days of open doors for demonstration of DLTIS’s experience with interested stakeholders
- Publishing study books and guides
- Participation in numerous national and international conferences and events
- Exchange of experience amongst the countries from the Balkan region.
The application for European Language Label was made with the aim to obtain additional recognition of the used methods and approaches and to ensure wider visibility of the outcomes.
The initiative methods are part of the teaching prohrammes at DLTIS and they are being used with language students at the University.
The European Language Label provided recognition of the effectiveness of the used methods and materials and increased the confidence in the initiative's outcomes.
To provide a structured description on their projects/initiatives with focus on the applicability of the products and their benefits to the separate target groups.
THE NELLIP NETWORK’S PERSPECTIVE
The initiative is in consistency with the European policies in the field of language learning because it's aimed at enhancement of the quality of language teaching, promotion of new approaches to language teaching and learning, implementation of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) as well as promotion of the development of teaching material for the learning of less widely spoken languages.
THE NATIONAL AGENCY’S PERSPECTIVE
The selection choice was based on the consistency of the initiative with the European policies in the field of language learning as well as based on the efficiency of the delivered outcomes.
Comments on this Case Studies
Date: 2014.10.01
Posted by Raya Stanachkova (BG)
Message: The promotion of less widely used and taught languages is extremely in present day in order to preserve the multilingual character of Europe as well as the national identities of its Member States. In this respect, studying the languages of the neighboring countries should be made an official policy of each country. This would also reinforce business, employment and economic growth.
Date: 2014.09.30
Posted by Richard Rossner (UK)
Message: A rare example of a higher education project focusing on languages. A good initiative to increase students\' and other young people\'s awareness and appreciation for the languages in their geographic area, and no doubt it was also a vehicle to promote international understanding.
