Multilingualism in the EU: A Case Study of Croatia

The European Union prides itself on its multiculturalism and diversity characterised especially by its multilingual language policy and its motto “united in diversity”. But to what extent does this multilingual policy foster linguistic diversity? This thesis analyses the EU’s multilingual policy from the perspective of Croatia, the latest country to join the EU in 2013. Croatia’s turbulent linguistic past and relationship with its neighbouring countries provides an interesting yet realistic case study. My research reveals that the EU’s multilingual policy does in fact preserve linguistic diversity because it is partly resistant to English dominance. The policy also has linguistic consequences for member states because it allows smaller languages to gain international recognition which in turn allows countries to protect and invest in their own languages. Although the EU’s language policy can be criticised, it is currently the best solution for a supranational organisation which is committed to fostering diversity.