In a recent discussion in Brussels, in the framework of the European Year of Inter-Cultural Dialogue, Abram de Swaan, social science professor, University of Amsterdam, has affirmed that multilingualism is “a pain in the neck”. He believes that the complexity of European communication due to multiplicity of languages, is making European public space and political debate difficult and impoverished and it is leading, astonishingly, not to multilingualism, but to the dominance of English.

This opinion might be reasonable, especially taking into account figures showing that EU businesses lose hundreds of thousands of Euro each year due to communication barriers, not to talk about the expenses of the EU institutions themselves to sustain their Babel tower of 23 official languages, but still, the multilingual dream is worth at least a try. We can always take the positive perspective and quote the same studies (available in Multilingualism – European Commission) to show that the same amount of money could be gained, besides other non-material gains, if enterprises would have better language skills, showing a clear link between languages (not only English) and export success.

The reality surveyed in 2006 by the Eurobarometer “Europeans and their Languages” reveals that the range of languages spoken is narrow (English being widely prevailing) and that language skills are not used frequently. Sill, a long way to go for the European Commission targets of having all citizens speaking two languages in addition to mother-tongue.

The recently launched Communication “Multilingualism: an asset for Europe and a shared commitment” gives an overview of what needs to be done to turn linguistic diversity into an advantage and a tool for solidarity and prosperity. A hard task ahead in what comes to promotion and valorisation of language learning but also teaching, as well as translations and subtitling. The circulation and enjoyment of Europe’s huge diversity of artistic works are still hampered by lack of habit and will to listen to foreign languages, even when translation is provided. In this respect media and cultural industries might have an important role to play in what comes to uphold this variety.

In the European arena there are many organisations devoted to the promotion of linguistic diversity, notably in what comes to favour the use of minority languages. They are forums for advocacy, platforms for discussion and exchange of information and excellent web resources for language learning and teaching. Walk around the Directory section and find them out whether regional, national or European based.

Try also Labforculture´s proposal Open Lines to Intercultural Dialogue inviting you to share your personal interpretations of intercultural dialogue in your mother tongue as well as in English. Check by yourself how complex and “pain the neck” multilingualism can actually be, but also how rich and fun!