Abstract

This book offers a unique view of multilingualism in higher education from a global perspective. It presents a contextualised case of a multilingual language policy which takes the Content and Language Integrated Learning (CLIL) approach. The volume discusses various approaches to multilingual education including CLIL and then proposes guidelines for a multilingual language policy for Universitat Jaume I in Castelló, Spain. It examines the advantages of a multilingual education programme and reviews the success of existing language policies. This book will be an essential resource for researchers and students as well as policy makers.

This three-part book makes an important contribution to the area of multilingual education and policy at tertiary level. By contextualising multilingual education within the realities of a particular university, the author offers a rich analysis which takes account of local nuances, such as the preservation of a local language, yet also captures a global perspective through her comprehensive coverage of literature and thinking in this area.

All in all, CLIL in Higher Education has much to offer to CLIL and EMI researchers, practitioners, and university authorities. it not only packages well-sourced information about multilingual policies and practices and delivers it in an accessible manner, but is also thought-provoking, inspiring fresh reflections and proposals.

In light of internationalization and its implications for universities world-wide, this book is not only a timely, but also highly needed contribution to the ongoing debate on multilingual language policy in tertiary education. In building on an admiringly complete and yet highly succinct synthesis of the relevant broad and diversified applied linguistic literature, the study offers a multilayered, but at the same time easily accessible discussion of the considerations, concerns and challenges that need to be taken on board when developing a well-informed multilingual language policy. Readers will surely appreciate that the book also draws on a real life example - the University Jaume I, Spain. Thanks to the personal involvement of the author in designing and managing this university's recent multilingual language policy and its implementation, the description of, and recommendations for supporting the use of Spanish, Valencian and English are particularly insightful and valuable as they combine applied linguistic expertise and knowledge with hands-on experience in 'doing' language policy at a multilingual university.

CLIL in Higher Education is a very welcome contribution for scholars and policy makers interested in the use of two or more languages in higher education. The volume will be particularly appealing for readers working on minority languages, third language acquisition, Content and Language Integrated Learning and English for Specific Purposes.

Inmaculada Fortanet-Gómez is a senior lecturer at Universitat Jaume I in Castelló, where she teaches English for Specific Purposes for the degrees of Business Administration and English Studies, as well as Master and doctoral courses, and teacher training courses for CLIL at the university. Her research focuses on Content and Language Integrated Learning, as well as academic and professional English discourse.