Promoting the diversity of European Languages 1. Introduction
The year, 2001, has been declared as the European Year of Languages. The diversity of
languages and cultures does not only form the European in reality, but it is also the very
backbone of the continent and one of our greatest advantages. The diversity of European
languages and cultures must be preserved. 2. Identity, Language and Culture
The importance of language and culture to individuals derives from their importance to the
identity as an individual. Language and culture are also values in themselves and they can
be looked at as building blocks of identity. Language and culture are both tools to achieve
different goals and them both contain a powerful message. A language does not only carry
the message of communication, but also a variety of messages deriving from the cultural
dimension of the language. European citizens must thrive to be more aware of the variety of languages and cultures in
their continent. Studying foreign languages gives an individual a holistic perspective on the
cultural dimension of Europe as well as the possibility of better understanding and tolerance
towards other nations. Language teaching, as well as European studies, should be
introduced to the curricula at an early age as possible. 3. Challenges of the European Integration
ESIB encourages HEIs to promote the diversity of European languages as a tool to promote
the variety of cultures. Internationality must become an inseparable part of the HEIs and a
genuine international learning environment be created. Language studies should always include cultural studies. Language and culture cannot be
separated from one another and the understanding of the language as well as
understanding of the culture are interdependent on each other. Language skills and
understanding of different cultures must be recognized as an integral part of the student’s
qualifications. Higher education institutions are responsible for providing their students with
relevant skills and qualifications, including language studies. In order to enhance the language skills of the students and to promote internationality of
education, teaching and courses in foreign languages are strongly recommended by ESIB.
Courses in foreign languages also contribute to better integration of foreign students and
enable the students to participate in the international scientific community. Students must
therefore be given the opportunity to take courses in foreign languages at will. The quality
of teaching is always of a great importance especially when the teacher is not working on
their native language. Courses given in foreign languages must always be complementary to the education given
in the national language(s). It must not replace it, nor jeopardize its quality or the
resources available. Teaching of courses in foreign languages must never form an obstacle
to equal access to education regardless of skills in foreign languages. Furthermore it must
be ensured that high quality education is always equally available in the national
languages(s) as well as in the foreign languages. 4. Language and Mobility
Mobility is one of the main aims of the Bologna Process and the development of the
common European education area. In order to facilitate mobility of students and scholars we
need to be able to understand and respect each others languages and cultures. When
speaking of mobility the language barrier is mentioned without exception as one of the main
obstacles. Removing the language barrier is a many-sided issue. Certain European languages can be called as more “dominant” than others; they are widely
spoken and more used in international interaction than others. The reality is also that these
languages are mostly Western European orientated languages. The flow of student mobility
at the moment is clearly directed toward certain areas of the Europe. There is a need to
redirect the flow also towards other parts of the continent. This can be achieved both
through developing courses in foreign languages as well as promoting the languages and
cultures of all European countries to make the entire continent equally attractive to all
students. All students have the right to study in any of the languages commonly used in
their country of residence. Every effort must also be made to promote diversity of access
and experience of education for all members of society. Preparation courses prior to study period’s abroad need to be organized. These courses
should also give vision to both the language and the culture of foreign countries contributes
to better integration in the host institution. It also facilitates to further language studies and
solves some of the obstacles to mobility in the sphere of languages. 5. Language policy and European Higher Education Area
To answer to the challenges above, it is essential to create a coherent and effective
language policy both on the national and international level. It is the responsibility of the governments to promote the national language(s). Strong
knowledge of ones own language and culture gives an individual a better opportunity to
participate in their society. It forms a strong basis upon which the learning of foreign
languages can be built upon. It also enables the understanding of other languages and
cultures and promotes tolerance, peace and stability. It is of a great importance for Europe to promote the teaching of the certain widely used
languages to enhance and improve communication and co-operation. It is also of an equal
importance that national governments will develop their language policies according to the
national needs and relevant languages for each country in respect to foreign relations. The
competitiveness of individual countries contributes to the competitiveness of the continent. It is essential that each European language is able to develop and enhance their own
scientific language. The diversity of the European academic community derives also from
the diversity of its languages and cultures. No one language must dominate or exclude
other languages from the international academic community. 6. Conclusion
There are several stakeholders in the European language policies both on the national and
international level. More resources both in the form of financing and in the form of
knowledge and expertise need to be allocated to the language teaching in Europe.
Enhancing the attractivness of the European education area requires each of the
stakeholders to take responsibility together. The European Commission has formed certain political goals for itself and the achieving of
these goals requires commitment from the side of the Commission. Alongside the mobility
programmes powerful language and cultural programmes are essential to provide an well
rounded education for all. European integration requires the active involvement of all
European countries. Students’ unions and student organizations are responsible for taking an active stand on
promoting language studies and cultural understanding. Students form the active force to
promote international learning environment through integrating the foreign students and
enabling intercultural interaction in between students. Students should be involved in the decision making process concerning the language
policies of higher education institutions and the national governments. Students have
information and experience that needs to be included in the planning and developments of
the language policies.
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