The concept behind the formation of ACALAN is to address the perceived inadequacies of existing practice [with regard to African language policies] by adopting a two-pronged approach. First, at the continental level, ACALAN will serve as an apex body generating ideas, translating policy decisions into workable plans and providing a reservoir of expertise available to be tapped by member states of the African Union in the formulation and implementation of their language policies. Second, at the sub-regional and national levels, there will be a grassroots approach through the setting up of a language commission for each language.