The original LANGS (Languages Network Group Scotland) under the name of COALA (Cultural Organisations and Local Authority Advisers) was established in 1995 on the suggestion of the then Director of the Goethe-Institut Glasgow when local government in Scotland was re-organised into 32 local authorities. In April 2016 after a membership vote, the name was changed to LANGS (Languages Network Group Scotland) to more accurately reflect the language and networking element of the group in Scotland.
The group meets three times a year to facilitate communication between language stakeholders in Scotland. SCILT facilitates and is a key player in the organisation of the group, in consultation with the Chair of LANGS. Bethan Owen of Edinburgh City Council is the current Chair.
Membership has grown to include many of the new 1+2 Development Officers around Scotland, and the group is an active forum for discussion and exchange of relevant and current information about languages in schools and other institutions. Members now include British Council, Goethe-Institut, Institut Français, Consolato Generale d'Italia, Scotland Russia Forum, Scottish-Chinese Education Network, Alliance Française, Consulado General de España, UCMLS, Le Français en Ecosse, Bilingualism Matters, SEET and other interested parties.
Since its inception the group has become a vital point of contact for dissemination of information between language networks in Scotland. Through its regular meetings around Scotland, the group has regular updates from government bodies including SCILT, Education Scotland and Scottish Government and shares information through workshops based on a theme with a keynote speaker invited to talk to the group. There is also opportunity at the meetings to include a marketplace for businesses who wish to share information with the group during the lunch break, and the afternoon is dedicated to local authority issues.
There is also a LANGS Focus Group which meets three times a year to plan meetings, based round language themes selected by members. Electronic exchange of information is facilitated through the SCILT office. If you wish further information about the group please contact Mandy Reeman-Clark.