Language Policy Implementation: The Role of Applied Linguistics for Knowledge Transfer

Since the 1990s, the promotion of multilingualism and plurilingualism on both the societal and the individual level is one of the most important objectives of European language policies. Nevertheless, despite broad political support, the implementation of guiding policies remains difficult and inconsistent across European countries. Recent studies, e.g., from the Special Eurobarometer: Europeans and their languages (European Commission, 2024), reveal that fewer than one-third of Europeans can communicate in at least two additional languages, even though attitudes towards languages and multilingualism are generally positive. This indicates a discrepancy between theory and practice, meaning that language policy is not yet sufficiently implemented in Europe. With this in mind, the contribution examines the role of Applied Linguistics in fostering the implementation of language policies in society, with a special emphasis on the importance of knowledge transfer beyond academia. Using the example of the project Französisch und mehr – Sprachenlernen im Saarland (French and more –language learning in Saarland), we present a qualitative case study that investigates in how far research-driven initiatives can promote plurilingualism and contribute to changing people’s attitudes towards language learning. The case study relies on project documentation, participation in public engagement activities, qualitative feedback from stakeholders and participants as well as a quantitative needs analysis in the health care sector combined with the development and evaluation of a job-specific language course. Our results demonstrate how Applied Linguistics and knowledge transfer can raise awareness of the societal value of multilingualism, especially in contexts marked by linguistic diversity and cross-border interaction.