European Language Council

Overview

The Conseil Européen pour les Langues (CEL), known in English as the European Language Council (ELC), is a non-profit international association dedicated to enhancing the quality and accessibility of language learning and teaching across Europe. Established in 1991, the CEL/ELC serves as a platform for higher education institutions, national and international associations and stakeholders interested in promoting multilingualism and cultural diversity. Its permanent secretariat is located at Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1}.

Historical and Legal Framework

The CEL/ELC was officially launched in July 1997 by a consortium of leading European universities and associations, with support from the then DG XXII of the European Commission. It operates as an international non-profit association governed by the Belgian Code on Companies and Associations :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}. The association's legal framework ensures its autonomy and facilitates collaboration among diverse educational entities committed to language education.

Mission, Vision and Objectives

The primary mission of the CEL/ELC is to promote the quantitative and qualitative improvement of knowledge of the languages and cultures of the European Union and beyond. Its objectives include:

• Providing a forum for debate and joint policy development for all institutions of higher education.
• Initiating, supporting and contributing to projects in education, training and research related to language learning.
• Gathering, exchanging and disseminating information relevant to the field of language education.
• Proposing actions to enhance the quality of language learning and teaching.
• Raising awareness of the importance of linguistic diversity in the production, transmission and acquisition of knowledge.
• Providing a joint and targeted response to the challenges posed by a multilingual and multicultural Europe :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}.

Governance, Structure and Independence

The CEL/ELC is governed by a General Assembly composed of its members, which include higher education institutions and associations with an interest in language education. The association's executive functions are carried out by a Board, which is responsible for strategic direction and oversight. The association's permanent secretariat, located at Freie Universität in Berlin, manages day-to-day operations and coordinates activities. The CEL/ELC's legal status as a non-profit international association under Belgian law ensures its independence and ability to collaborate with various stakeholders across Europe and beyond.

Accreditation and Quality Evaluation Role in Higher Education

While the CEL/ELC does not directly engage in accreditation or quality evaluation processes, it plays a significant role in enhancing the quality of language education through its initiatives. The association supports the development and implementation of best practices in language teaching, conducts research on language education policies and provides resources for educators and institutions. By fostering collaboration and sharing expertise, the CEL/ELC contributes to the continuous improvement of language learning and teaching standards in higher education.

International Cooperation and Network Memberships

The CEL/ELC is actively involved in international cooperation, working with various European and international organizations to promote language education. Its membership comprises institutions and associations from across Europe, facilitating a broad network for collaboration and exchange. The association's activities are aligned with the goals of the Council of Europe, particularly in promoting linguistic diversity and intercultural understanding. Through its initiatives, the CEL/ELC contributes to shaping language education policies and practices at the European level.

Current or Future Impact on Higher Education

Looking ahead, the CEL/ELC aims to continue its efforts in enhancing language education within higher education institutions. By providing a platform for dialogue and collaboration, the association supports the development of innovative language teaching methodologies and the integration of language learning into various academic disciplines. Its initiatives contribute to preparing students for a multilingual and multicultural world, aligning with broader educational goals of fostering global citizenship and intercultural competence.

Summary

The Conseil Européen pour les Langues (CEL)or European Language Council (ELC), is a non-profit international association established in 1991 to promote the improvement of language knowledge and cultural understanding across Europe. Through its initiatives, the CEL/ELC provides a platform for higher education institutions and associations to collaborate on language education issues, supports the development of best practices and contributes to shaping language education policies at the European level. Its work plays a crucial role in enhancing the quality and accessibility of language learning in higher education.

FAQs

• What is the CEL/ELC?
  The CEL/ELC is a non-profit international association dedicated to enhancing the quality and accessibility of language learning and teaching across Europe.
• When was the CEL/ELC established?
  The CEL/ELC was officially launched in July 1997 by a consortium of leading European universities and associations.
• Where is the CEL/ELC's secretariat located?
  The permanent secretariat of the CEL/ELC is located at Freie Universität in Berlin, Germany.
• What are the main objectives of the CEL/ELC?
  The main objectives include providing a forum for debate and policy development, supporting projects in education and research, enhancing the quality of language learning and raising awareness of linguistic diversity.
• How does the CEL/ELC contribute to higher education?
  The CEL/ELC contributes by fostering collaboration among institutions, supporting the development of best practices in language teaching and influencing language education policies at the European level.

Organization Name

European Language Council
Conseil Européen pour les Langues

Acronym

CEL/ELC

Year of Establishment

1951

Control Type

Private

Entity Type

Non-Profit

Geo Focus and Coverage

International

Recognized by

n.a.

Affiliations or Memberships

n.a.

Number of Member Universities or Accredited Institutions

n.a.

Address

Habelschwerdter Allee 45
Berlin
14195 Berlin Germany

Phone

+49 (30) 8385 5668

Fax

+49 (30) 8385 3717

n.a.

Official Social Media Channels

Facebook

European Language Council's Facebook page

X (Twitter)

European Language Council's X page

LinkedIn

Not available

YouTube

Not available

Instagram

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Wikipedia Article

European Language Council's Wikipedia article

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