Reality and perceptions of multilingualism in the Baltic States
ENThe article dwells on the issue and term of multilingualism, both as a sociolinguistic reality in the Baltic States, as well as the perception of the term by the main actors of language policies in the Baltic States. Multilingualism, though a core term of EU policies, has multiple meanings and shades, and seems to be perceived and interpreted by the actors depending on their country’s experience and linguistic problems and necessities. The article views the linguistic history of the three states, mostly focusing on Latvia. After regaining independence and freedom the Baltic States initiated policies aimed at reversing the asymmetrical bilingualism of the Soviet period. This coincided with aspirations to join the EU and a frequent conflict between what was felt the national needs and the EU policies and their perceptions. The discourse on multilingualism and its understanding has been assessed through analysis of a questionnaire that was delivered to language policy experts in the 3 states. The perception of multilingualism and the EU stance differs because of the contradictions and reflects the huge variety of linguistic situations. The Baltic experience tends to highlight that the imposition of EU standards (unclear as such) on the basis of a synchronic situation in the new member states without taking into account the diachronic aspect can be counterproductive, negatively affecting the consolidation and integration of the population.
