SPEECH/08/414
Leonard ORBAN
European Commissioner for Multilingualism
Brussels debate on "Multilingualism –
a bridge or a barrier for intercultural
dialogue?"
Debate for the 2008 European Year for Intercultural Dialogue
Brussels, 10 September 2008
I'm particularly pleased we are holding a debate on multilingualism in the
intercultural dialogue series this year. Needless to say, as Commissioner for
multilingualism, I believe that languages are one of the most effective tools for
achieving intercultural dialogue. I am convinced that Europe's abundance of mother
tongues is a source of wealth.
But we must recognise that diversity can also act as a barrier to exchanges
between cultures. In Europe we have learnt that the complexity of differences can
lead to misunderstanding and even conflict.
Mine is however not a defeatist message. Diversity is also something which should
be celebrated as a source of enrichment in itself.
I am also pleased to be here because the debate dovetails with the new strategy on
multilingualism we are issuing next week. I will present a comprehensive policy that
addresses languages not only as sources of cultural wealth, but also as means of
bringing about social cohesion and prosperity.
Linguistic Diversity and the Ethos of the EU
The founders of our Union knew the value of linguistic diversity. They demonstrated
this by putting the official languages of the six founding members on an equal
footing. You could say that the EEC was the first example of intercultural dialogue
on a European scale. Much has changed, but the principle of equal status between
languages is as relevant today as it was 50 years ago.
I am not convinced by the arguments of those who propose just one or two
languages as the sole means of intercultural exchange. To do so would not only
impoverish our society; it would contradict the very ethos of the European project.
The variety of languages used in the EU is proof that our motto 'unity in diversity' is
not just an empty phrase, but a tangible reality.
Multilingualism as a Tool for Social Cohesion
But our strategy addresses linguistic diversity as more than just a source of cultural
enrichment. Languages offer more than just colour and character to the fabric of our
society. The independent advisory group on multilingualism that I set up for the
European Year of Intercultural Dialogue made this point well. Allow me to take up
this occasion to thank Sandra Pralong present here for her excellent contribution to
this group.
One of the main thrusts of their report was that linguistic diversity is a powerful tool
for social cohesion. Excessive assertion of identity can lead to intolerance and
fanaticism. Therefore, a sense of belonging based on accepting linguistic and
cultural diversity is a powerful antidote to extremism.
A sound and cohesive society cannot be afraid of multilingualism. On the contrary, it
can use it to develop its potential in a harmonious and open way. Languages build
dialogue and understanding between people. They deepen our sense of community
and European kinship. This is more relevant than ever as our societies face such
rapid changes.
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The Changing Face of Europe
Take the movement of people for example. Historically, migration and mobility have
been among the key forces shaping our civilisation. But nowadays the presence of
migrant communities is no longer limited to a handful of metropolises. Migration is
palpable in every facet of European life. Currently, around 2 % of Europeans live
and work in a different European country. Some 4% of our population is made up of
people from outside the EU.
Migration presents numerous opportunities for social and cultural enrichment. But it
can also be a source of tension. How can we guarantee that we fully profit from
these opportunities and at the same time ensure social cohesion?
Clearly we must go beyond a state of plain coexistence, in which communities live
isolated, parallel lives. Fragmentation can quickly lead to a risk of xenophobia.
What's more, without dialogue between citizens of different backgrounds, a society
cannot benefit from its own diversity. We must be willing to acknowledge and
accept differences, but we also must help migrants to familiarise themselves with
our customs and practices. Living with difference is a two-way street.
Languages and Integration
Language is at the heart of the process. European society is a complex fabric in
which different cultures, beliefs and languages coexist and intertwine. In this setting,
dialogue is more than just a friendly word and a pat on the shoulder. This is why
language learning must be provided for migrants, both adults and their children, to
bring about meaningful dialogue. For migrants, learning the language of the hostcountry unlocks all the doors. It opens up access to training and jobs and the
chance to get involved in community life.
The business community also has a direct stake in cultivating language-skills. The
business forum I set up stressed that companies are losing out because of a lack of
language skills. We should embrace the opportunities our own migrant communities
offer us to prosper in this new geopolitical climate. For example, second- and thirdgeneration migrants could help to establish economic contacts in their countries of
origin.
As you can see, the changing face of Europe requires innovative approaches to
both the substance and methods of language-learning. This is what we are aiming
to achieve with our new strategy.
Our Strategy
I will not enter into great detail as the communication will be formally adopted by the
college on 17 September. However, let me just stress a few ideas. My
communication will be ambitious and will tackle all issues in a very frank way:
languages learning, competitiveness, translation, external relations and social
integration.
I intend to deepen our work with Member States, to encourage the exchange of
good practices and provide genuine opportunities for all to achieve the shared
objective of learning "Mother tongue + 2" foreign languages.
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Finally, we must recognise that we will not create multilingual societies overnight.
But we can compensate by promoting good practices in overcoming language
barriers. Many communities in Europe have experience in coping with the needs of
people who do not speak the local language. Basic information is available in
different languages, and multilingual people act as cultural mediators. We propose
to help circulate these good practices.
Ladies and gentlemen
Multilingual people are precious assets for Europe that act as the glue between our
different cultures. This is the Europe we wish to see progress and prosper, one
whose ethos of tolerance and openness will secure our common future within
diversified, yet united society.
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