 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
 |
|
|||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
|
||||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||
 |
 |
 |
|
||||||||||||
Basic Goals of the Latvian Association of Language Teachers (LALT)The new understanding in the 21st century is that the great cultural and linguistic diversity in the world has to be regarded as a treasure and not a hindrance. The European Year of Languages-2001 made us realize it more vividly. People are becoming more aware of the meaning and value of the local, often rare, languages, as well as realize more the significance of expanding their knowledge of other languages. In this respect it is highly important to exchange ideas and recommendations in Latvia and worldwide to help to address problems of language teaching, language learning and language policy. Language associations working together often have a greater authority and voice and can accomplish more with regard to national foreign language policy than can individual associations. With all this in mind, the Latvian Association of Language Teachers (LALT) was founded on 25 September, 2001. LALT is an umbrella association, i.e. it will provide the forum whereby the language associations can come together and discuss issues that affect them all. LALT is formed by the Association of Teachers of Latvian Language and Literature, the Associations of Teachers of English, German and French as well as the Association of Teachers of Latvian as a Second Language and the Latvian Association of Teachers of Russian Language and Literature. All the members of the language teachers associations are automatically members of LALT. The idea of its foundation goes back to 1998 when the Latvian Association of Teachers of English (LATE) invited the various language associations to meet to discuss the value of establishing a modern languages association in Latvia which would also seek to join the World Federation of Language Teachers (FIPLV). Now it has come true. The newly founded association has become a member of the World Federation of Language Teachers (FIPLV) (http://www.fiplv.org ). Thus all the members of LALT are also members of FIPLV! Some of the basic objectives of LALT are:
Taking into account its uniting and facilitating function and the activities it is going to be engaged in, I believe, the newly founded association has a challenging future. In this newly created website you can find information about individual language associations in Latvia which are members or have applied for the membership of LALT. In addition to this information several articles have been included for discussion. They are devoted to some of the most topical issues, such as the application of the Common European Framework for language learning, teaching and assessment, the Language Portfolio, the use of ICT, developing creativity in learning languages, cooperative teaching/learning etc. You may also learn about the forthcoming events (conferences, seminars etc.). I believe you may find important and useful the material on the Council of Europe (COE) language policy. The Council of Europe accords special importance to fostering the linguistic and cultural diversity of its member states in the field of languages and aim to promote plurilingualism and pluriculturism (http://www.coe.int/T/E/Cultural_Co-operation/education/Languages/Language_Policy/_Summary.asp#TopOfPage). The European Centre for Modern Languages (ECML), Graz, Austria, is a Council of Europe institution whose aim is to promote the learning and teaching of modern languages in Europe ( http://www.ecml.at ). It acts as a forum for teachers, textbook authors and curricula designers, as well as specialists in language policy. Quite a large number of teachers members of LALT are involved in different ECML projects. LALT is most thankful to the Information Office of the Council of Europe in Latvia for its invaluable help and support in creating this website and enriching it with the latest materials on the Council of Europe language policy and the activities of the European Centre for Modern Languages. We truly appreciate this co-operation! LALT holds regular annual meetings to reflect on the work done and discuss the future activities.
During the recent annual meeting in January 2004 a new LALT Board was elected: Diāna Rumpīte (president), Anita Vanaga (vicepresident), Laimdota Trinkuna (vicepresident), Raita Makare (secretary), Inta Murāne (treasurer), Valija Vahere, Olga Ozoliņa, Silvija Andernovica, Tatjana Liguta, Ligita Grigule, Karīna Brikmane, Zoja Saveļjeva and Iveta Vītola.
We do hope that your participation, interest and support will greatly help to implement the goals of LALT in practice. You are most welcome to send your ideas and feedback to lvasa@latnet.lv Diana Rumpite |
