Multilingual education

[Summary generated by ChatGPT] Overview: This issue of Babylonia explores “Language Awareness” (Éveil aux langues), a pedagogical approach aimed at introducing students to linguistic and cultural diversity. It reflects on how this methodology fosters inclusive education, intercultural understanding, and improved language learning across the school curriculum. Key Contributions: Editorial Insights: The editorial highlights concerns about emerging school segregation in Switzerland and emphasizes the importance of early language awareness to counter exclusion. It presents the issue as a response to growing linguistic and cultural diversity in classrooms. Understanding Language Awareness: Jean-François de Pietro outlines the concept, stressing it is not only for migrant students but for all learners. By engaging with linguistic diversity, students develop analytical skills and a better grasp of how languages function. Classroom Practices: Several articles describe classroom projects and activities where students explore languages through stories, songs, comparisons, and multilingual materials. These practices aim to make language learning more reflective and accessible. The EVLANG Project: Markus Kerschbaumer presents the European EVLANG project, which promotes early language awareness in children aged 8–10 across several countries. It emphasizes playful but structured exploration of languages to enhance motivation and intercultural skills. Curriculum Integration: Claire de Goumoëns discusses the development of teaching materials in French-speaking Switzerland. The goal is to embed language awareness in all school levels through interdisciplinary and inclusive activities. Teacher Education and Policy: Authors like Dominique Jeannot and Cristina Allemann-Ghionda argue for teacher training reforms and policy changes to support language awareness, underlining its relevance in multilingual societies. Conclusion: This issue champions a shift toward an integrated and inclusive approach to language education. Language awareness is presented as a powerful educational strategy that prepares students for linguistic plurality and intercultural engagement.