Language Policy in Humanities Universities

Abstract

The article considers theoretical and methodological foundations of language policies implemented in humanities universities, discusses measures that serve to maintain language and cultural security in different countries, and outlines the key objectives of Russian humanities universities with regard to digital learning and overall internationalization of education and science. Success in reaching these objectives depends on the polyfunctional nature of the proposed methodology since it is aimed at addressing both educational and research-related challenges. The polyparadigmatic character of the methodology lays the basis for further interdisciplinary studies and for initiating convergent educational programs adjustable to online and offline learning. Theoretical assumptions are based on the experience of implementing training programmes in the field of interlinguistic and intercultural communication with support of distance learning technologies. The article clarifies the terms distance learning technologies and online learning, which apply to the main concepts of the study, provides concrete examples to reveal the differences between these terms and specifies their usage, which is contributing for humanitarian knowledge in general and the learning space in particular. The article considers promotion of Russian as the language of ethnic and institutional interaction to be the main objective of language policies; views heritage languages as an integral part of cultural and historical legacy and discusses measures of their preservation; brings to the fore the importance of creating a barrier-free communicative zone. The article stresses the urgency of developing net cooperation with higher educational institutions both in and outside Russia, the importance of launching interdisciplinary programmes and creating conditions for inclusive education on a regular basis. Finally, it is emphasized that further scientific research in the field of language policy in higher education will contribute to language and cultural security. Language policy in higher education comprises four major directions responsible for science, learning and education in accordance with the concept of sustainable development and security of languages and cultures.