THE ROLE OF THE PHILOLOGICAL PROFESSION IN SHAPING THE LANGUAGE EDUCATION POLICY: EXAMPLES OF INTRODUCING THE SPANISH LANGUAGE AND EARLY LEARNING OF FOREIGN LANGUAGES IN THE EDUCATION SYSTEM OF SERBIA

Abstract

The paper examines the introduction of the Spanish language and the early learning of foreign languages in primary education, which were achieved in Serbia at the same historical moment, at the beginning of the 2000s - when they represented the generalization of previously implemented innovative projects in language education policies. The research deals with the genesis of these innovations and the role of the philological profession in its different phases. Both cases analyzed represent examples of positive practice in determining language education policy, but, primarily, the instances of the significant and even crucial role the philological profession had in shaping solutions. Although the research can also be considered as a contribution to the study of the history of foreign language education in Serbia, the analysis of circumstances under which innovations were introduced, the relationship between different actors, the role played by the philological profession and, finally, a comparison with the current moment, are a contribution to a more efficient design of further initiatives and actions which aim to improve multilingualism in the Serbian education, the foreign language teaching in general, and the Spanish language in particular.