MANAGEMENT OF LANGUAGE POLICY AT A HIGHER EDUCATION INSTITUTION (A COMPARATIVE STUDY)

In the first decade of the 21st century to promote multilingualism and
involve in the internationalization processes many universities in Europe
(Free University Berlin and University of Freiburg in Germany, Jyväskylä
University and University of Helsinki in Finland, University of Oslo in
Norway, a.o.) have developed and are implementing language policy. The
need for universities to provide students – future specialists – with
opportunities to develop knowledge, skills and competences necessary for
successful professional activity in the European labor market in accordance
with today’s requirements forms the basis of language policy. A wider
language offer at universities is essential for students – future specialists of
every field. The research about language policy at state institutions of
higher education in Latvia involved 15 institutions and 319 students of
different specialties, including sports teachers, physiotherapists and other
specialists related to sport. In the previous stages of the research it was
found out that only one state institution of higher education– the University
of Latvia – has developed and accepted in its Senate a language policy
document and is implementing language policy. The aim of the present
study was to investigate the essence of the language policy strategy
developed by the University of Latvia and its realization management
process.