About us

ABOUT US

iLanguage was founded on September 28, 2021, in Mödling, Austria, with a mission to promote multilingualism and integration while fostering respect for linguistic, cultural, and social diversity.

By encouraging translingual and transcultural coexistence, we strive to make multilingualism accessible to everyone. Our goal is to create inclusive spaces where people feel safe and integrated, no matter their origin or the languages they speak. This vision aligns with the European Union’s language policy, which emphasizes multilingualism as a key factor for mobility, intercultural understanding, and Europe’s competitiveness. The EU aims for every citizen to speak at least two languages in addition to their mother tongue.

How Did the Concept of "Inherent Language" Emerge?

iLanguage was born from the research of Dr. Carola Koblitz, whose doctoral studies at the University of Vienna focused on multilingual identity formation. Observing two girls growing up trilingually—German from their father, Spanish from their mother, and English from media—Dr. Koblitz questioned traditional definitions of "mother tongue" and "native language." Could someone have more than one? Or none at all?

Further studies with multilingual teenagers (aged 14–18) confirmed that every language they learn becomes part of their identity. However, rigid classifications such as "mother tongue," "foreign language," or "native speaker" can reduce motivation to practice and maintain their languages.

Additionally, society’s outdated terms—such as "foreign language" (which carries negative connotations in German) or "native speaker" (often wrongly equated with quality)—need reconsideration. But who truly qualifies as a "native speaker"?

At iLanguage, we believe that challenging these perceptions and redefining the relationship between language and nationality fosters a more tolerant, open-minded society. By embracing multilingual identities, we empower individuals and contribute to a collective European consciousness where linguistic diversity is a strength.

This necessity led to the creation of iLanguage! 🌍✨

OUR VISION

At iLanguage, we believe in a world where multilingualism is a bridge to understanding, inclusion, and respect. By fostering translingual and transcultural coexistence, we create spaces where everyone—regardless of their origin or mother tongue(s)—feels safe, valued, and integrated.

We promote multilingualism through national and international projects, including Erasmus+ initiatives. Our work includes conferences, workshops, research, and the development of educational materials. We also provide teacher training to empower educators with the tools they need to foster linguistic diversity in their classrooms.

OUR SERVICES

OUR COMMUNITY

iLanguage is more than an association—it is a growing, dynamic community of language enthusiasts, educators, and cultural advocates. We bring people together to celebrate the richness of languages and promote a more inclusive and diverse society. Join us in shaping a multilingual future!

MEET OUR TEAM

Our team brings together specialists in linguistics, art, education, and design, all united by a shared passion for multilingualism. We believe that languages enrich lives, build bridges, and open new worlds. With diverse expertise and a commitment to fostering the iLanguage perspective, we create innovative projects that celebrate linguistic and cultural diversity.

Want to learn more? Join us on this journey!