CURRENT PROBLEMS OF MULTILINGUAL EUROPE: EDUCATIONAL CONTEXT

Abstract

The article considers the features of modern European language policy in the educational context. It has been established that solving the problems of multilingualism is an extremely important matter. Globalization and migration flows of the 21st century have made the role of language policy paramount in today’s world. Citizens, equal in rights and responsibilities, are distinguished by their cultural identity, which is why the problem of peaceful coexistence of all citizens of the European community is particularly acute today. The aim of the Council of Europe is to bring the individual member states closer together through joint steps at the cultural level. The heritage of cultural diversity is seen as a treasure to be protected and developed. Only the knowledge of modern European languages will increase opportunities for communication and interaction in all spheres of public life, promote mobility and mutual understanding. All the problems of multilingualism must be addressed in a balanced and tolerant way. The education sector is an environment that is designed to ensure compliance with all laws and regulations regarding the teaching and learning of foreign languages, a place of democratic approach to the implementation of European language policy. Public administration of languages, regardless of form, has the main goal – to maintain linguistic diversity. No educational space is socially homogeneous, because each has different languages and different cultures. This multiplicity of languages and cultures, which characterizes the modern European space, forces to approach their study extremely carefully, to create all necessary conditions for foreign language activity, The problem of multilingualism in the European system of higher education is analyzed and the personal development of students in the conditions of multilingualism is covered. It has been established that the Council of Europe promotes the development of quality education: it ensures student mobility, develops joint curricula, creates educational networks, encourages the exchange of information and promotes the benefits of lifelong learning. The knowledge of foreign languages is an important component of this activity. Multilingual citizens are better prepared to take advantage of the educational opportunities offered by the integrated Europe. The relevance and necessity of learning foreign languages at the present stage are substantiated. It is stated that the European language policy encourages multilingualism and aims to achieve a situation where every citizen of Europe, in addition to their native language, will speak at least one foreign language.

Keywords

• language policy
• council of europe
• multilingualism
• higher education
• personal development
• multilingual education
• foreign languages