At the crossroads: Papers on language and culture in the 20th and 21st centuries / pod red. Katarzyny Jasiewicz, Moniki Zięby-Plebankiewicz

Abstract

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.