CULTURE

Languages and Multilingualism

Linguistic diversity is a major guarantee for cultural diversity. Like multilingualism, it contributes to sustainable development, the strengthening of dialogue, social cohesion and peace.

Languages are a fundamental component of culture and serve as tools and means of communication. But they are also an essential factor for establishing the identity of individuals and groups. Through language, people build, understand and express their emotions, intentions, values, notions and practices.

As tools in the service of a number of social practices, languages constitute a highly interdisciplinary domain and a precondition for the enjoyment of fundamental human rights They are also strategically important to meet the great challenges facing humanity. Yet over 50 % of the world's 6,000 languages are endangered. Some 96% of them are spoken by 4% of the world's population, and less than 25 % are used in cyberspace. Moreover, multilingualism promotes the harmonious coexistence of local, national and international languages and thus is a factor of mutual respect and intercultural dialogue.

In this regard, UNESCO has an essential role to play by promoting standard-setting instruments as well as policies and actions in favour of the safeguarding of endangered languages and multilingualism in its fields of competence: education, science, culture and communication.




News

News Languages matter! Seminar at UN Headquarters in New York
News Thematic debate on languages at UNESCO’s Executive Board
News Message from Mr Matsuura, Director-General of UNESCO, on the celebration of 2008, International Year of Languages

© 2008 - UNESCO