The cultural and linguistic environment as an object of public administration in the context of socio-cultural change: theoretical foundations of the study

Abstract

The article presents the theoretical foundations for studying the cultural and linguistic environment as an object of public administration in the context of socio-cultural transformations. It analyzes the conceptual and categorical framework that defines the cultural and linguistic environment as a component of the socio-cultural system, which serves as the foundation for communicative interaction, individual socialization, and the reproduction of cultural norms and values within society. The study examines the influence of the cultural and linguistic environment on socio-cultural transformations in Ukraine amid globalization challenges and European integration. Key theoretical approaches and contributions of prominent scholars–such as E. Tylor, P. Bourdieu, and J. Habermas–are considered, highlighting the multidimensional nature of culture and the role of language in shaping social identity and communication.

The research establishes that the cultural and linguistic environment reflects societal processes and actively contributes to the formation of new models of civic identity, political culture, educational systems, and media practices. A multi-level structure of the cultural and linguistic environment is proposed, encompassing individual, group, and institutional levels. The institutional level captures the influence of governmental, educational, cultural, and media institutions, which shape policies aimed at preserving and developing linguistic and cultural diversity. The group level reflects the interactions of social communities, ethnic and linguistic groups, where intercultural dialogue occurs and collective identity is constructed. At the individual level, the cultural and linguistic environment shapes processes of self-identification, worldview formation, and linguistic identity.

The article substantiates mechanisms of public influence on socio-cultural transformations, with a central role played by language policy, educational programs, media spaces, and legal regulation of cultural activity. These mechanisms help preserve cultural uniqueness while promoting adaptation to new societal challenges and integration into the European socio-cultural space. The need for a balanced approach between preserving national cultural heritage and openness to intercultural dialogue is emphasized, as it is essential for Ukraine's adaptation to European value-normative standards.