[Plurilingual and pluricultural, still Eurocentric? A comparison of the development of the Common European Framework of Reference and its accompanying volume]

Abstract:

The publication of the Companion Volume (CV, 2018 ) to the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR, 2001 ) responds to criticism of the original CEFR and presents innovations. In this article, the CEFR is first placed in its historical and language policy context whereby its actual goals, common misunderstandings, and criticisms are explained. Specifically, the innovations in the Companion Volume with regard to pluricultural and plurilingual competencies, and mediation, are examined. Moreover, the question of whether the CV has moved away from its Eurocentric perspective is explored.

Keywords:
CEFR; Companion Volume; plurilingualism; mediation; Eurocentrism