ABSTRACT
In many parts of contemporary Europe, language can be seen to transcend the socio-political and ethnic dichotomies which were so characteristic of modern relationships between language, identity and conflict. This is not to suggest the emergence of the ‘still centre’ sought after by some who meditate upon the troubled condition of much inter-ethnic contact. Rather, it is argued that this is, in part, the result of the different ethnic groups seeking identification with the language which facilitate and reinforce senses of belonging, place and authenticity. The closer analysis of these powerful identifications shows that the outline of such socio-cultural flows may be traced in the different parts of Europe. This includes novel adaptations in nationalist rhetoric, increasing fluidity in the nature of ethnic identity and a deepening culture-ideology dichotomy. Significant variations in relation to these developments are traced across Europe, highlighting in particular the influence of the post-Soviet reordering of society throughout eastern and central Europe.
