A diverse group of people holding speech bubble placards above their heads.

Arena 4: Culture, Multilingualism and Well-Being

Why Culture, Multilingualism and Well-Being

The mission of Arena 4 is to promote culture and multilingualism as drivers of social cohesion, equality, and well-being. This is achieved through the development of education, research, and civic engagement activities, and by fostering plurilingual and intercultural communication and practices. The arena aligns with the European Union’s policy on multilingualism and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities; SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions; and SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals.

Our vision is articulated in the Statement: “Culture, Multilingualism and Well-Being” (English version), which outlines our three core principles. Firstly, we are committed to protecting cultural and linguistic diversity to combat inequality and exclusion by promoting regional, minority, and migrant languages as cultural treasures and encouraging their teaching and use. Secondly, we aim to facilitate access to culture and language learning to enhance individual and societal well-being. Engaging in cultural activities boosts identity creation, personal development, and social bonds, while language learning opens professional and academic opportunities and strengthens cultural dialogue. Lastly, we strive to educate in interculturality to foster social cohesion and dialogue. We support plurilingual and intercultural education, encouraging individuals to explore and diversify their linguistic repertoires as a means to enhance social integration and peace. 

The Statement: “Culture, Multilingualism and Well-Being” is available in the following languages: English, French, Galician, German, Hungarian, Italian, Spanish, and Swedish.

What we do

Arena 4 works to advance culture and multilingualism as integral elements of social cohesion and well-being. We aim to protect cultural and linguistic diversity to combat inequality and exclusion, promote access to cultural and language learning for individual and societal well-being, and support intercultural education for peace and social cohesion. By recognising regional, minority, and migrant languages as cultural assets and encouraging their use and teaching, the arena fosters personal development, social bonds, and innovation. It also emphasises the importance of plurilingual and intercultural education as competencies that enhance social dialogue and cohesion.

What we currently focus on

In Arena 4, our current projects and offers include:

  • Research and Innovation: Developing interdisciplinary and collaborative research projects in culture and multilingualism.
    • Research Initiative “Crisis and Conviviality in the Mediterranean”: This project establishes an interdisciplinary research network involving EUniWell members and external partners. It focuses on five key research areas: 1) (Forced) Migration and (Im)mobility; 2) Multi-species Conviviality and Environmental Change; 3) Heritage and Memory Politics; 4) Religious Conviviality and Contestations; 5) Nationalism, Xenophobia and Fragmenting Publics.
  • Education and Training: Creating academic content and educational offerings focused on cultural and multilingualism skills, with particular emphasis on lesser-used languages and intercultural skills.
  • Knowledge Transfer and Civic Engagement: Providing activities that link students, academics, and administrative staff with civil society and local authorities, promoting civic participation.

Who to contact

For more information, please contact euniwell[at]inalco.fr.