Streszczenie:
The underlying idea of the present volume is that of crossroads, understood as a meeting
point between various perceptions of the world, or various influences shaping contemporary
cultures and languages. The 20th century was a watershed when many influences crashed, new
theories emerged and were tested. Harari (2018) writes about the three ideologies which dominated
this millennium: fascism, communism, and liberalism. The first two were discredited and it
appeared that liberalism would dominate the mental makeup of the 21st century humanity.
However, the changes triggered by technological revolution continue to undermine the liberal
standpoint and achievements of democracy. In addition, the downfall of colonial empires
of England and the USA resulted in racial tensions and the need to revisit old discourse on
slavery and concepts of white supremacy and cultural hegemony. Such transformations have
far-reaching consequences for cultures and languages of multiple societies, which must face
the new challenges, and often redefine their nature and status.
