МІЖКУЛЬТУРНИЙ ДІАЛОГ У КОНТЕКСТІ БІЛОЇ КНИГИ РАДИ ЄВРОПИ

Abstract

The article defines the essence of intercultural communication, signs of successful interaction between representatives of different cultures. The article explores the concept of interculturalism in White Paper of Council of Europe.The “White Paper on Intercultural Dialogue” presented emphatically argues that our common future depends on our ability to safeguard and develop human rights, as enshrined in the European Convention on Human Rights, democracy and the rule of law and to promote mutual understanding. It reasons that the intercultural approach offers a forward-looking model for managing cultural diversity. It proposes a conception based on individual human dignity (embracing our common humanity and common destiny). If there is a European identity to be realised, it will be based on shared fundamental values, respect for common heritage and cultural diversity as well as respect for the equal dignity of every individual. Intercultural dialogue has an important role to play in this regard. It allows us to prevent ethnic, religious, linguistic and cultural divides. It enables us to move forward together, to deal with our different identities constructively and democratically on the basis of shared universal values. Intercultural dialogue can only thrive if certain preconditions are met. To advance intercultural dialogue, the White Paper argues, the democratic governance of cultural diversity should be adapted in many aspects; democratic citizenship and participation should be strengthened; intercultural competences should be taught and learned; spaces for intercultural dialogue should be created and widened; and intercultural dialogue should be taken to the international level.Intercultural dialogue entails a reflexive disposition, in which one can see oneself from the perspective of others. On the foundation of the values of the Council of Europe, this requires a democratic architecture characterised by the respect of the individual as a human being, reciprocal recognition (in which this status of equal worth is recognised by all), and impartial treatment.The peculiarities of intercultural dialogue in countries characterized by cultural diversity and the presence of national minorities are analyzed. The importance of intercultural dialogue at the present stage is substantiated.