Doc. 8740
12 May 2000

Technological strategies linked to the multicultural and multilingual aspects of the development of the information society in Europe

Motion for a recommendation

presented by Mr Raškinis and others

This motion has not been discussed in the Assembly and commits only the members who have signed it

1.       The Assembly notes that the new information and communication technologies are widely used by society the world over, in almost all areas, and that they have social, economic, cultural, ethical, legal and other consequences.

2.       It also notes that, in most of the cases, using computers demands a good knowledge of the English language.

3.       The Assembly is concerned over the fact that the English language tends to impose itself as sine qua non in using new information and communication technologies, which is incompatible with the wish to preserve multiculturalism in Europe.

4.       It considers that steps should be taken with a view to creating an information society in which people are able to use languages other than English, i.e. their native languages. This is important not only for preserving cultural identities and fostering national languages, but also for eliminating a significant hindrance for people to whom both the English language and the use of computers are not familiar.

5.       Therefore, the Assembly recommends that the Committee of Ministers invite the governments of member states and the European Union:

i.       to promote R&D devoted to the development of speech and language recognition and translation systems;

ii.       to develop action programmes for the implementation, at a continental scale and based on close international cooperation, of the results of the R&D, notably for creating the technological framework conditions for a multicultural and multilingual information society.

Signed : ¹

Raškinis, Lithuania, EPP/CD

Birraux, France, EPP/CD

Ciupaila, Lithuania, LDR

Duka-Zolyomi, Slovakia, EPP/CD

Etherington, United Kingdom, SOC

Luczak, Poland, EPP/CD

Roseta, Portugal, EPP/CD

Tiuri, Finland, EDG

Wittbrodt, Poland, EPP/CD

Wodarg, Germany, SOC

¹        SOC: Socialist Group

      EPP/CD: Group of the European People’s Party

      EDG: European Democratic Group

      LDR : Liberal, Democratic and Reformers’ Group

      UEL: Group of the Unified European Left

      NR: not registered in a group