Qual idioma e por quê?: o direito e as razões de escolha de uma língua estrangeira no Ensino Médio do Colégio de Aplicação da UFS

Abstract

This article aims atanalyzing what high school students at Colégio de Aplicação (Laboratory School) of the Federal University of Sergipe (CODAP/UFS) think about thelaw and the reasons for choosing aforeign language at this stage. Theresearch was developed in thecontext of an undergraduate research project in high school at CODAP/UFS with the application of aquestionnaire. The research project followed a theoretical-methodological framework that dialogues with the agenda of contemporary Applied Linguistics with regard to studies on education (BRASIL, 2000; 2006) and language policies (LAGARES, 2018; PARAQUETT,2006; RAJAGOPALAN, 2013). The research project was qualitative and interpretive in nature. The results showed the appreciation of plural linguistic contact at CODAP/UFS and the recognition of the respondents, i.e. the high school students, on the importance of being able to choose aforeign language in High School. Among the reasons mentioned are personal interest, the influence of the media or family and the relationship with the professional future or with university admission exams such as ENEM. In addition, the heterogeneity of the group and their responses confirmed that it is not fair to generalize the conclusions and that it is necessary to respect the subjectivities regarding the choice of a language and broaden the perspectives on education in foreign languages in public schools.