Learning Each Other's Languages

Overview

APEC Education Ministers at the 4th APEC Education Ministerial Meeting in Lima, Peru established language learning as a priority for the APEC Education Network (EDNET) in their joint statement:

"Learning each Other’s Languages is critical because we now live in a global economy. Being able to speak others’ languages and communicate in culturally sensitive ways is necessary for trade and other forms of international exchange;"

APEC Project Activities

APEC projects respond to the Ministers' vision for developing the language learning area. Recent project activities include:

Image from APEC's recent seminar on language standards

Key Topics and Resources

Language Learning Topics:

Language content standards: example standards with descriptions from 16 APEC economies

Image from APEC's recent seminar on language standards
Language Assessment: descriptions and analyses of language assessments used in APEC economies
Language Curriculum and Instruction: samples of official curriculum documents from various APEC members and information on various instructional methods and teacher quality, as well as information on articulating language ability
Language Policy: examples of policy documents from APEC economies and information on the best age to begin instruction in a new language and the time required for students to learn a language

Language Learning Resources:

Exchange or cross-border programs: examples of Exhange Programs Sponsored by APEC Members
E-language learning: samples of e-language learning programs relevant to APEC Members
Business language for a Global Economy: resources devoted to the changing role of language in multi-cultural 21st Century business
Consumer Checklist: lists of evaluation criteria to determine if a language school or training program has reliable claims regarding building and enhancing learners’ language skills including the APEC Checklist for English Language Programs for those interested in choosing an effective English language learning program and the APEC Chinese Language Checklist, which addresses the learning needs of those focusing on Business Chinese, Chinese for Travel and Tourism, primary and secondary school Chinese, and teacher training and scholarships.
Resources and materials focusing on cross-cultural competencies, including business English that were developed for International Education Week 2010.