Legal Language Harmonisation System for Environment and Spatial Planning in the Multilingual Alps
LexALP supports cross border cooperation by creating innovative approaches to harmonise multilingual legal terminologies needed to conceive and implement common visions for the balanced development of the Alps. Legal concepts being deeply rooted in their national systems, they often hinder supranational dialogue within and outside Alpine institutions (e.g. Alpine Convention). LexALP will develop ad hoc methods and tools to rationally compare 6 legal systems (A, CH, F, D, I, SLO), compile quadrilingual terminologies (F, D, I, SLO) and harmonise them. So far, experiences in this field have focused on two languages/legal systems at a time and have not fully exploited I&CT potentials. Harmonised terms (to be officially validated, constantly updated and made freely available online) are bound to foster mutual understanding and economic development as well as the rise of a common Alpine culture. Methodologies could be adapted to other multilingual contexts of the enlarged EU and to minority languages.