The article considers multiculturalism as a social phenomenon, describes various aspects of its manifestation through the concept of "cultural diversity". It has been argued that the doctrine of multiculturalism proclaims the equality of cultural forms, the primacy of "cultural diversity" over ethnocultural homogeneity of states, and creates for multicultural societies a number of problems related to the plurality and cultural heterogeneity of communities. Based on the active discussion of the global multiplicity of cultures and their penetration into the value and normatively separated socio-cultural spaces, it is established that the multicultural world does not impose a single vision of reality, on the contrary, offers a field of alternative choices. The peculiarities of the functioning of multiculturalism and the policy of translinguism in modern Poland are analyzed. It is stated that an important feature of Polish multiculturalism and translinguism is the participation of national and ethnic minorities in the life of Polish society, which is realized through institutionalization of minority life, creation of various institutions and organizations designed to support their culture, traditions and language. Recognition of cultural diversity is also manifested in the field of education: the study of minority languages is introduced in primary and secondary schools, and bilingual schools or classes are opened. The possibility of applying the positive Polish experience in the formation of multicultural policy in Ukraine is proved.