Press Release: Promoting a ‘personal adoptive language’ strengthens multilingualism and intercultural dialogue, concludes the EC group of intellectuals

The Group of Intellectuals for Intercultural Dialogue set up to advise the European Commission on the contribution of multilingualism to Intercultural Dialogue (take out notes number) delivered its report, entitled 'A rewarding challenge', to European Commissioner Orban on the 31 January 2008. The group, chaired by Amin Maalouf, in the context of the European Year of Intercultural Dialogue 2008, makes proposals on how languages can foster intercultural dialogue and mutual understanding, establishing a clear link between linguistic diversity and European integration. These findings should fuel the discussion at the first-ever Ministerial Conference on Multilingualism, scheduled for 15 February 2008. The group focuses on citizens with a 'second mother tongue', also called a 'personal adoptive language', with which they identify for personal or professional reasons.

European Commission: News, 1.2.08: Sprechen Sie Deutsch? http://ec.europa.eu/news/culture/080201_2_en.htm

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