Diverse languages help Europe's communities, says EU languages chief

Promoting linguistic diversity is key to encouraging dialogue between Europe’s communities, the EU’s language chief has said.

Leonard Orban, the commissioner for multilingualism, said that promoting the EU’s lesser-known languages can help “build bridges” between the different regions in Europe.

“It ensures that diverse language communities, often geographically distant from each other, can build on each other’s good practices and initiatives. Languages build bridges that foster dialogue and promote respect for other cultures,” he said.

“The advantages of multilingualism include building inclusive societies, better skills, better job opportunities and competitiveness over other trading blocs,” he added.

Orban was speaking at the launch on Wednesday of the network to promote linguistic diversity (NLPD), an initiative co-funded by the commission to help support and develop Europe’s minority languages.

The aim of the NLPD is to bring together the languages departments of different member states and autonomous governments, acting as a forum at the EU-level through they can exchange ideas on language policy.

Orban said that the establishment of the NLPD was an important part of encouraging intercultural dialogue, the theme of the 2008 European year.

“The network’s objectives directly complement our European strategy to further promote linguistic diversity in the EU. While the member states have primary responsibility for language policies, joining forces at European level is a shortcut to delivering results,” he said.

“The network will also help people to share experiences and work in partnership with one another, something which can be developed among the different participants,” he added.

Current members of the NPLD include language bodies representing Catalan, Breton, Estonian, Welsh and Frisian.

The launch of the network was held at the European office of the Welsh assembly government.

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