Culture and language “to go” in Europe European Expert Seminar: Cultural Education and Civil Society – How can languages contribute? Ewa Chylinski, European Centre for Minority Issues

European Centre for Minority Issues European Mandate Traditional autochtonous minorities in geographic Europe Majority-minority relations Practice-oriented research, information and documentations Five research clusters: -Citizenship and Ethics -Conflict and Security -Justice and Governance -Politics and Civil Society -Culture and Diversity -2 Field presences – Kosovo and Georgia

Cultural policies Theories disagree about importance of cultural identity, yet a brad agreement on accomodation in a democratic societies -Non-discrimination -Protection and promotion (no desire to give up their status as separate (selfßgoverning people) Culture as public good Decentralisation and devolution of authority

ECRML – minority languages & cultures Language Protection and promotion 25 ratifications 17 regional languages 51 minority langugages Culture 7 areas of public life -Education -Judicial authorities -Administrative authorites -Media -Cultural activities and facilities -Economic and social life -Transfrontier exchange

Culture and language “to go” Multilevel and multidirectional Choices Adaptation to age, needs and interests Expanded reality in language teaching Civil society as driving force for language preservation Institutions as a vehicle