Danubius International Conferences, 4th International Conference The Danube - Axis of European Identity

The Impact of English Language as a Basic Tool to Achieve Cultural Dialogue and Mutual Knowledge between the Countries of the Danube Region

Denitsa Yordanova
Last modified: 2014-06-04

Abstract

Objectives: The paper searches for the importance of the English language in the process of cooperation between the countries in the Danube region and explores the value of the knowledge for the different cultures and the variety of languages that are spoken in this region. The Danube region is an important one because it is about one fourth of the territory of the European Union. Ten different languages and cultures are located along the 2 850 kilometers of the Danube. Prior Work: Study of the variety of cultures and languages that are spoken in the Danube region. Approach: Questionnaire, survey of literature related to this topic. Results: The results of the questionnaire show the people’s opinion on the value of the English language as an important one to solve the problem with the different languages that are spoken in the Danube region. The results also show how people accept this region and which are the main problems concerning it that have to be solved. Implications: English language is a basic tool in the process for realization of mutual knowledge between the people living in the ten countries that are a part of the Danube region. It helps people to overcome the language barriers. Value: This paper interprets the impact of the English language in the process to achieve mutual knowledge of the cultures of the ten countries that are situated along the Danube river.