English Language Education in the Swedish Compulsory School

Abstract

In the 1960s, Sweden instituted educational reforms with the intent to create a citizenry bilingual in Swedish and English. Today, ordinary Swedes in everyday situations speak English with a high level of communicative competence. A number of social and affective factors have brought about this result. This article focuses on English language education in the Swedish compulsory school, where the framework and foundation for the achievement of English fluency is established. Oral skills and the practical aspects of English learning are emphasized in the compulsory school curriculum. In class, pupils are encouraged to speak and their reading and writing competence is aided by the functional approach to English teaching.