The impact of policy on language learning in complementary schools: the experience of young campaigners for language equality

At a time when the learning of languages is in rapid decline in the UK, young people in east London have been very actively campaigning to make qualifications available in the languages of their communities. Having studied in complementary schools, they are very aware of the importance of their language to their personal identity, their relationships within the community, and, increasingly, their future professional development. Even as the boundaries blur between world languages defined as community languages or Modern Foreign Languages, government policy remains profoundly ambivalent about awarding status to languages originating in migration. Although lip-service is paid to their value, they are marginalised in the curriculum. Sixteen community languages (around 60 are currently taught in complementary schools) are available at examination level but the takeup is very low in mainstream schools and they are frequently taught after hours. The Albanian pupils who started the campaign joined forces with speakers of other languages seeking accreditation and worked together to navigate the complexity and everchanging shape of government policy towards community languages in England. The present paper follows the young people as, supported by local community leaders, they journey through a policy minefield that takes them from the Ministry of Education, to the independent Exam Boards, via a media campaign, through complex negotiations with a chief executive, to a commercial outcome that could enable any language to be accredited. Only to find the goal posts moved as qualifications are downgraded, lists of eligible languages restricted and plans are drawn for a major overhaul of the exam system. Through observation of meetings and interviews with young people and community leaders, the paper explores the young people’s perceptions about language status and power and their growing confidence and commitment to fight for language equality through networking across communities and negotiating with power brokers