16 Multicultural Society

A multicultural society is a country where different cultural groups live together.

They try to preserve their cultures, habits and traditions. Cultural differences should
be respected and tolerated. Multiculturalism is the official policy in Canada, Australia
and the UK.

Immigrants can have dual citizenship; they can use their minority language and keep
their culture and religion. In some countries they are expected to mix and integrate-
immigrants have to adapt to different cultural values or religion. Lack of integration
can cause isolation of immigrants and it can leads to xenophobia and racism.

In 2004 Slovakia became part of a larger community – the European Community.

Many Slovaks decided to leave the country for study or work. A lot of them got
married abroad and created bicultural families. Living in bicultural family requires a lot
of tolerance and understanding from both sides.

Slovakia is also a multicultural country. The majority of Slovak population is

Slovak. The country also has several minorities, the biggest of which are Hungarian,
Roma (Gypses) and Ukrainian. The Roma population in Slovakia has problems to
adapt and they are often a victim of racist attacks.

Answer the following questions:

1) What is multicultural society?

2) How should we behave toward cultural differences?
3) Which countries support policy of multiculturalism?
4) What rights do immigrants have in multicultural countries?
5) What is integration?
6) What can lack of integration cause?
7) What does living in bicultural family requires?
8) What is the majority of Slovakia and what are the minorities living in Slovakia?