The ‘Linguistics in Modern Foreign Languages’ (or MFL) Project assesses the potential for the integration of linguistics into the MFL curriculum in schools.
Our mission
The project is concerned principally with taking drastic action to address a crisis in MFL teaching and learning.
The ultimate aim of this project is to drive stronger uptake and results in MFL study, and to enthuse and better prepare candidates for entry into MFL at university by bringing about a change in the curriculum. We envisage that this will also encourage more students to take MFL degrees at university. Data on higher-education aspirations and eventualities will also be collected as part of the project.
Why Linguistics?
Linguistics in MFL A-Levels project
This project (2017-) assesses the potential for the inclusion of linguistic topics in the Key Stage 5 MFL curriculum. Current A-level syllabi make a sharp distinction between language and content, the latter referring to literature, film, history and culture. This differs from many university courses in which linguistic content is fundamental. Our project will engage students with linguistics and deepen their interests in language, including its historical, cultural and social reflexes. We are interested not only in how stimulating and relevant the pupils find these topics, but also in what effect this exposure has on their language attitudes and their confidence levels with speaking/writing another language.
The project is currently in its third iteration, and is releasing new, revised materials for the 2019/20 academic year! You can still sign up to take part in 2019/2020 here.
The Linguistics in MFL Project 