Collaboration, Connectedness, Champions: Approaches Within Government

Abstract

This chapter argues for concerted cross-government action to promote languages in the UK and for the need to adopt a more holistic view of languages and language policy. It outlines a number of recommendations for action. Language policy should not just be a matter of education policy; a more holistic approach to languages in the UK should be developed. Senior civil servants acting as language co-ordinators are needed within government ministries and in the devolved administrations; and greater collaboration across Whitehall and the devolved governments is necessary. Champions for languages are required: a Chief Government Linguist, a senior civil servant, and a government minister with responsibility for languages. Examples of good practice, such as recent initiatives in the armed forces, should be used to inform more widespread cultural change.