Workshop on Multilingualism and Linguistic Diversity: Language Policy in the European Union

Even though Europe is not among the world’s most linguistically diverse areas, more than 200 languages are spoken there. There is also a huge variety of socio-linguistic situations and language policies in the various European states. The process of European integration has highlighted the need to manage this linguistic diversity, and ultimately to promote multilingualism both at an individual and a collective level.

In this context, this workshop aims to promote the value of multilingualism and linguistic diversity in modern EU societies. We will think about such matters as the official status of languages, language rights or linguistic security, which are key concepts in multilingual contexts. We will also analyze how Europe, and especially the European Union, has managed multilingualism so far, particularly in the case of lesser-used or minority languages, from both a legal and a socio-linguistic point of view.

For these reasons, this is an excellent forum for those students, researchers and professionals from various fields who are interested in the management of multilingualism.

Program:

9:00 Accreditation

9:30 Welcome words

9:30 Opening ceremony:

• Carles Padilla, Dean of the Faculty of Language Studies, Translation and Communication, Universitat de València
• Rubén Trenzano, Director-general for Language Policy and Management Multilingualism
• Susanna Pardines, Coordinator of Fundació Nexe’s Identity and Culture Lab

10:00 Inaugural session: Multilingualism in the EU

Introduced by Raquel Casesnoves (UPF)

“What is the place of multilingualism in the present EU? The European Roadmap for Linguistic Diversity”, Vicent Climent-Ferrando, Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity (NPLD)

11:30 Coffee break

12:00 Panel I: The official status of languages and linguistic rights

Moderated byRafael Castelló (UV)

• The case of Finland: Kaisa Kepsu-Lescelius, Head of the Research Department, Magma think tank
• The case of Catalonia: Bernat Joan i Marí, Member of the European Parliament (2004-2007) and Secretary of Language Policy of the Catalan Government (2007-2010)
• The case of Valencian Country: Anselm Bodoque, Universitat de València
• The case of Wales: Patrick Carlin, Cardiff University

14:00 Lunchtime

16:00 Panel II: Europe and Linguistic Rights

Moderated by Vicenta Tasa (UV)

• “The legal landscape for linguistic diversity in Europe”, Eva Pons, Universitat de Barcelona
• “The management of multilingualism in Europe”, Miquel Strubell, Linguapax International
• “Protocol to Ensure Language Rights: Civil society empowerment”, Paul Bilbao, Kontseilua Secretary General and European Language Equality Network (ELEN) Vice-President

17:30 Second session: Linguistic (In)Security in Europe

Introduced by Miquel Nicolàs (UV)

“Linguistic (in)security in Europe: on the ineffectiveness of multilateral conventions”, Albert Branchadell, Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona

19:00 Closing ceremony

• Vicent Marzà, Minister of Education, Research, Culture and Sport of the Valencian Government
• Miquel Nicolàs, Catalan Philology Departament, Universitat de València
• Gonçal Grau, President of Fundació Nexe

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Practicalities:

When: Friday 4th of November 2016, from 09:00 – 19:30
Where: Sala d’Actes Sanchis Guarner, Philology, Translation and Communication Faculty (low level), Blasco Ibáñez Campus, 32 Blasco Ibáñez Avenue, 46010 Valencia

Registration:

To participate in the workshop, and request a certificate of attendance, fill in the form and send it before November 2nd 2016.

Press:

Media inquiries can be addressed to info@ideasforeurope.eu or via Twitter @IdeasForEurope

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This conference is financially supported by the European Parliament. The European Parliament is not liable for the content of the conference or the opinions of the speakers.

This conference is an initiative of the Centre Maurits Coppieters and Fundació Nexe.