Võõrkeel

Võõrkeel is the Estonian term for a language that is not a speaker’s native language. The word combines võõr- meaning foreign and keel meaning language or tongue. In linguistic and educational contexts, võõrkeel is used to distinguish languages learned in addition to one’s emakeel (mother tongue) and other languages used in daily life.

In education and public policy, võõrkeel denotes languages taught or learned as additional languages. Many European countries treat foreign language learning as a key part of schooling, with curricula often aligned to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR). The goal is to develop communicative competence, cultural awareness, and intercultural skills, as well as to prepare students for international work and study.

Common foreign languages taught in Estonia and other parts of Europe include English, Russian, German, and French, among others. The choice and order of languages can vary by school or region, and programs may be mandatory, elective, or supplementary. Historically, kontextes such as the Soviet era influenced the prominence of Russian as a foreign language in some regions, while post-independence policies prioritized English and other Western languages.

In linguistic terms, võõrkeel can also refer to any language studied outside one’s native linguistic environment, including second and third languages, depending on the context. The distinction between võõrkeel and related terms like emakeel (native language) or riigikeel (state or official language) is primarily a matter of usage and policy rather than strict linguistic classification.