English in Latin America: an examination of policy and priorities in seven countries

This book provides an assessment of English language learning in Latin American countries.

With the aim to support policy and programme development, this research provides an in-depth, holistic assessment of English language learning in each of seven Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. Language acquisition around the world is increasingly being seen as a skill for personal as well as national development. Governments are implementing English language policies grounded partly in an economic rationale, propelled by a focus on building the proficiency of the population in part to boost a country's competitiveness in a globally integrated marketplace.

Many Latin American countries are united in their efforts to improve the English language levels of their overall populations for these reasons and others; however, the manner in which this challenge is being tackled differs greatly, and while it may be too early to gauge the impact or sustainability of these initiatives, it is helpful to examine the existing policies and goals, as well as the factors unique to each country that contribute to the current state of English language learning.

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