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Given such diversity, the testing and assessment of language proficiency is a crucial component of language policies which aim to respect linguistic and cultural diversity, whilst seeking to ensure that the highest possible quality is guaranteed of the measurement of educational outcomes and of language learning and language proficiency in particular. The developments in Europe, particularly associated with language policy in the European Union and the Council of Europe, including the dissemination and wide use of the Common European Framework and the European Language Portfolio, and also with the geographical mobility in Europe and in the world in general, have highlighted the need for a European language testing association, which speaks for testers in Europe and which has no commercial affiliation or aims.

EALTA aims to represent those involved in language testing and assessment at a European level, including in the European Union and the Council of Europe as the enhancement of quality in language assessment and testing is best achieved through international cooperation. EALTA believes that international co-operation can help individuals, institutions and nations learn from each other without any diminution of their cultural autonomy.

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Language diversity is key to intercultural communication, mutual understanding, and respect.

The initiatives at European and international level towards excluding various groups of people from mainstream society seriously undermine these European values.

These worrying developments run counter to the principles of EALTA and the Europe we represent Language assessment, as EALTA understands it, should contribute towards promoting language learning, thereby creating opportunities, not denying them.

We endorse similar statements of concern issued by other language associations across the world. We would like to reiterate the sentiment expressed by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and “remain hopeful for a future where culture and linguistic diversity is viewed as an invaluable asset that enriches the lives of all”