The Polish Language Learning Framework (PLLF) is one of the language learning frameworks developed under the auspices of the National Council of Organizations of Less Commonly Taught Languages (NCOLCTL). The broad mission of the learning frameworks is to provide guidelines to better facilitate, promote and coordinate the teaching and learning of the less commonly taught languages in the United States (i.e., languages other than Spanish, French and German). Therefore, the broad goal of PLLF is to serve the cause of facilitating, promoting, and coordinating the teaching and learning of Polish. In addition, the specific goals of PLLF are:
1) to provide a survey and assessment of the current state of Polish teaching and learning;
2) to provide a framework of theoretical and pedagogical guidelines for Polish language learning, together with a survey and assessment of existing methods and materials;
3) to provide recommendations to further facilitate the teaching and learning of Polish in the United States.
In accordance with the general philosophy of the national language learning frameworks, the emphasis of the PLLF is on learning and learner-centered and learner-based methodology (including, e.g., individualized study and self-study) rather than simply on language teaching. With respect to the above goals, the PLLF:
1) examines the state of Polish language teaching, as well as the sociolinguistic situation of Polish language learning in the US, including typical learner profiles;
2) outlines principles of language learning and evaluates existing materials in light of these principles;
3) provides guidelines for setting learning goals within the context of learner-centered acquisition of language proficiency, as well as recommendations for the further promotion of Polish language learning in the United States.
We conclude that the prospects for Polish language teaching and learning in the Unites States are cautiously optimistic, but require a better coordination of effort and of information exchange in order to optimally exploit the already existing resources and materials.