Multilingualism was something natural, something familiar, in the historical fabric of Slovenian society and in the course of its development as a state amid the often conflicting interests of various dynasties and upheavals in centuries past. Today, the Slovene language is a fundamental expression of our nationality. But there’s no getting away from the predominance of the English language in research, in publications and university curricula. Multilingualism is increasingly giving way to the dictates of useful English. And yet, we may recall that back in 2008 the EU Commission still regarded multilingualism as an enrichment, even an obligation, as a goal worth striving for. Respect for diversity is one of the very foundations of Europe, without which Europe has no future. So where does Europe: Your Languages go from here?

Dr Peter Štih