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Chapter 2 Cultural, religious and

linguistic diversity

2.1 Cultural, religious and linguistic diversity – Concepts

Cultural diversity concept refers to the diversity of forms of culture in a society composed of groups of
people from many different cultural backgrounds. The UNESCO Declaration on Cultural Diversity reflects
the diverse and pluralist understanding of culture and defines cultural diversity in Art. 1 as follows: ‘Diverse
forms of culture across time and space which is embodied in the uniqueness and plurality of the identities
of the groups and societies making up humankind and is a source of exchange, innovation and creativity.’
On 18 December 2006, the European Community ratified the UNESCO Convention. Preserving and
promoting cultural diversity are among the Community’s founding principles: they are enshrined in the
Treaty, under Art. 151, and in the Charter of Fundamental Rights of the European Union, under Art. 22.3 .
1

Religious diversity is the fact that there are significant differences in religious belief and practice. It has
always been recognized by people outside the smallest and most isolated communities. But since
early modern times, increasing information from travel, publishing, and emigration have forced thoughtful
people to reflect more deeply on religious diversity . Religious beliefs and affiliation to religious groups and
2
communities were historically the cornerstones of the functioning of societal relations in Europe.
Acknowledging the rich tradition of the co-existence of diverse religions in Europe, the Charter of
Fundamental Rights of the European Union enshrines the right to freedom of thought, conscience and
religion. Contextualising religious co-existence from a historical perspective can contribute to the
promotion of a European public and cultural space and to enhancing mutual dialogue and understanding.
3

Linguistic diversity is a way to talk about varied types of traits including language family, grammar, and
vocabulary. A language family is a group of languages with related origins that share some traits .
4
Languages define personal identities, but they are also part of a shared inheritance.

Effective multilingualism policies and initiatives can strengthen the opportunities of citizens. Language
skills may also increase individuals’ employability, facilitate access to services and rights, and contribute to
solidarity through enhanced intercultural dialogue and social cohesion .
5

1 https://ec.europa.eu/home-affairs/what-we-do/networks/european_migration_network/glossary_search/cultural-diversity_en
2 https://www.iep.utm.edu/reli-div/
3 https://cordis.europa.eu/programme/id/H2020_CULT-COOP-05-2017
4 https://study.com/academy/lesson/linguistic-diversity-definition-and-lesson.html#:~:text=Linguistic%20diversity%20is%20
a%20way,origins%20that%20share%20some%20traits.
5 https://ec.europa.eu/education/policies/linguistic-diversity_en#:~:text=Linguistic%20diversity%20is%20enshrined%20in,Ri-
ghts%20of%20the%20European%20Union.&text=However%2C%20Member%20States%20have%20the,minority%20groups%20
to%20self%2Ddetermination.