The LanQua Frame of Reference brings the five subject areas into one view. It is useful when a programme needs to consider language education as more than isolated language proficiency.
Five connected areas
- Language learning — communication, language knowledge, strategies and autonomy.
- Intercultural communication — knowledge, skills, attitudes and mediation.
- Literature and culture — interpretation, cultural context and critical engagement.
- CLIL — integration of disciplinary content and language support.
- Language teacher education — professional preparation, practice and reflection.
How to use the frame
A programme does not need to give equal weight to all five areas. The frame is more useful as a set of questions: Which competences matter here? Which are explicit? Which are assumed? Where do students receive support? How are outcomes assessed?