Abstract
The aim of the text is to present functions and roles of language in local communities on the background of educational activities. Firstly, various paradigms of language and literacies are introduced, which creates the basis for the further analysis of the theme.
The attention is paid to language in relation to global diversity, especially in the perspective of the United Nations initiatives. Language is in this sense viewed as an instrument providing local information in particular social and cultural context, which directly influences the development of regions and community activities.
Other issues outlined in the text are the significance of information availibility in mother or local language, bilingualism and plurilingualism of community members and language as a provider of community identity.