This book is an appraisal of the teaching of foreign languages in the 29 European countries taking part in the Socrates program. It contains a detailed analysis of the way teaching is organized, the approaches and content of curricula, arrangements for the recruitment and training of teachers, and the initiatives developed within the education system to provide linguistic support to minority languages. It also provides historical perspective. The book is divided into an introduction and six chapters. The introduction includes a glossary and information on the background, scope, methodology, and structure of the study. Chapter titles include the following: "Language Support in a Multilingual Environment"; "Historical Background"; "Organisation of Teaching"; "Professional Qualifications and Training of Teachers"; "Foreign Language Curricula"; and "European Community Actions." There is also an annex, "National Summary Tables on Foreign Language Curricula." (Contains 33 references.) (KFT)