Abstract:

The paper discusses the role of libraries and the importance of learning foreign languages in the context of the development of a contemporary multicultural society. It starts from the view that the increasing number of migrations, both in Europe and wider, conditions the need for intercultural dialogue, greater tolerance and exchange among members of different cultures. Accordingly, new needs and challenges of a modern society are emerging, which, with the help of their institutions and systems, enable the realization of human rights and the co-existence of members of different cultures in the same area. In this process, in addition to other social institutions, libraries have a significant role as cultural institutions which develop and promote respect for the diversity of cultural values, regardless of religious, national or racial affiliation. In addition, an important role in the development of multiculturalism belongs to the learning of foreign languages, which increasingly gain in importance in the domain of spreading intercultural dialogue, understanding and tolerance among members of different cultures.

Accordingly, the main goal of this paper is to point out the importance and potential of libraries and foreign language learning as important aspects in the context of multicultural development. The potentials of libraries, diverse activities and innovations at the level of library services, especially in the domain of digitization and the application of new technologies, as well as multilingualism, contribute to greater openness and accessibility for all users, regardless of existing differences. On the other hand, the learning of foreign languages, and especially the culture content of the country whose language is adopted, opens the space for the development of intercultural communicative competences that allow adequate intercultural exchange in the context of different cultures. Accordingly, contemporary libraries and foreign language learning provide a unique contribution to the development and promotion of the concept of multiculturalism.

Keywords:

Multiculturalism, libraries, foreign languages, education, intercultural communicative competences.