Refers to languages that are in use in the world today and are distinct from medieval and classical languages which are no longer in common use.
The term modern languages, also known as modern foreign languages, is generally understood to encompass those languages studied as degree level programmes at higher education providers. The focus of study in a modern language degree is on both language and cultural studies (e.g. literature film history). At higher education level MFL is distinct from Languages for All programmes or Institution-Wide Language Programmes (IWLP) which are offered as modules across institutions to staff students and often the general public through Language Centres.
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