Citizenship making links with foreign language teaching

The role of foreign language (FL) teaching in the development of citizenship has long been outlined in political rhetoric and policy as well as in the theoretical literature. The inclusion of this chapter in the third edition of this book reflects recognition of the significance that has been attributed to the role of FL teaching in the shaping of identity and of citizenship. While there is no doubt that strong links exist between the teaching of the mother tongue and the exercise of citizenship, as discussed in a previous chapter in this volume, in examining the relationship between language and citizenship this chapter will maintain a focus on FL. FL is used here in preference to MFL (Modern Foreign Languages) to ensure that the reader sees the discussion as relevant to the teaching of any foreign language even where this may apply to English as a Foreign Language.