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The basic sense and significance of multiculturalism does not refer solely to the existence
of several different forms of culture in a relatively small geographical area, such as the
Balkan Peninsula. In a wider context, this concept also includes several different languages
and a linguistic diversity, since every language and linguistic diversity are results of certain
social, cultural, political, economic and civilizational factors which have been and still are
present in these areas. In that sense, the Balkan Peninsula has always been multicultural and
multilingual, and consequently heterogeneous and divergent.
From the perspective of modern sociolinguistics, all languages spoken in the Balkans,
regardless of the number of their speakers, are classified as small languages (Ferguson [1962]
1996: 269–270) and are generally not threatened by glottophagia or extinction. However,
if we look at the situation in the field, we can notice that there are languages which might
become extinct, since the number of their speakers is not sufficient. That is the case with Istro-
Romanian (classified as seriously endangered) or Megleno-Romanian, whereas Romani is in
a somewhat better situation, because it belongs somewhere in between endangered languages
and those with a relatively satisfactory number of speakers.
There have been several documents adopted by the European Union which mention the
importance of multilingualism and preservation of diversity in Europe. The importance of
multilingualism and multiculturalism are important factors for the European Union, which
is best seen in the words of Daniel Orban, who in his speech before the European Committee
pointed out the following: „Language means diversity, cultural heritage, communication,
and finally co-operation, i.e. the notions which represent the values of the EU itself ”
(Orban 2007) 1 . Naturally, another point that is closely linked with multilingualism and
multiculturalism is intercultural dialog, which is defined in the White Book of the Council
of Europe as „a process that comprises an open and respectful exchange of views between
individuals and groups with different ethnic, cultural, religious and linguistic backgrounds
and heritage, on the basis of mutual understanding and respect. It requires the freedom and
ability to express oneself, as well as the willingness and capacity to listen to the views of
others” (Council of Europe 2008: 9). Regardless of the fact that „the willingness and capacity
to listen to the views of others” is not strictly in the domain of communicative competence,
it is still a necessary pre-condition for any sort of intercultural and linguistic exchange in a
wider social context.
Regardless of the fact that intercultural dialog is also a generator of all modern political
and economic trends in Europe, its primary goal is to promote cultural diversity in Europe and
cultural heritage of every region, of every ethnic group, minority or nation on equal terms.
In order to carry out this quite ambitious task, it is necessary to learn foreign languages; The
White Book is by far more explicit about it than any other European document. For example,
here is a quotation from page 16: „Language learning helps learners to avoid stereotyping
1 For more information visit: http://www.docstoc.com/docs/959597/Speaking-points-for-the-meetingwith-the-Culture-Committee.
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