ABSTRACT
Linguistic diversity is one of the most prominent elements in the concept of multiculturalism. If we use the number of official, regional, and indigenous languages to illuminate the linguistic diversity in Europe, we have to conclude that Europe is not a linguistically diverse continent in comparison with, for instance, Asia and Africa. However, free mobility inside Europe and immigration outside Europe has radically changed the linguistic profile of Europe. There are no figures on the number of languages in use today in Europe, but the fact is that linguistic and cultural diversities are increasing in all European societies, placing new demands on education systems, schools, teachers, and teacher education programmes. Different European organisations have taken various measures to develop tools for school administrators, teachers, and teacher educators to promote ideas of multicultural education, language education, and plurilingualism in Europe. The aim of this chapter is to discuss European linguistic diversity from the point of education.
