This research project will collect and analyse evidence to inform transformation of language policy in Europe. Increased mobility of people across territories has altered the linguistic make-up of Europe, while rapid developments in AI and other digital technology have revolutionised the way people communicate. However, EU language policy has been slow to respond to the pace of these changes. Our challenge in an increasingly diverse, digital and multilingual Europe is to reform language policy to shape a future for young people which is inclusive, democratic and equitable. We will address this challenge by providing policy makers with
comprehensive evidence of the communicative practices and language ideologies of young people in Europe. We will examine how young This research project will collect and analyse evidence to inform transformation of language policy in Europe. Increased mobility of people across territories has altered the linguistic make-up of Europe, while rapid developments in AI and other digital technology have revolutionised the way people communicate. However, EU language policy has been slow to respond to the pace of these changes. Our challenge in an increasingly diverse, digital and multilingual Europe is to reform language policy to shape a future for young people which is inclusive, democratic and equitable. We will address this challenge by providing policy makers with comprehensive evidence of the communicative practices and language ideologies of young people in Europe. We will examine how young people use language in multiple locations in Europe, focusing on their communication in digital, creative and everyday contexts. We will observe young people’s interactions in six cities in five countries, and elicit their perspectives on language, identities, heritage, belonging and investment. This project will equip policy makers with the evidence necessary to introduce
equitable, inclusive language policy fit for the digital, multilingual age.