Language Policy and Language of Cultural Pluralism Cover Image

Language Policy and Language of Cultural Pluralism
Language Policy and Language of Cultural Pluralism

Author(s): Basia Nikiforova
Subject(s): Philosophy
Published by: Vilnius Gediminas Technical University
Keywords: cultural pluralism; national identity; language; language policy; national minorities; assimilation.

Summary/Abstract: The aim of this article is to challenge the problem of the formation of national identity through the prism of cultural pluralism and language policy. On the example of the principle of liberal neutrality as a part of the hybrid theory of language policy, (which means the right of a national minority to develop and use its national language within reasonable limits which will be understandable for them), it is shown how to realize cultural pluralism policy. Two basic models have been established for language policy: a common public language model (which views language policy as a primary tool for national education and views that a common language is to be shared by all citizens) and language maintenance model (public institutions recognize the right of separate groups to be able to use their own minority languages as a tool for a state-level dialogue). Language policy dilemmas facing the European Union (EU) and the most important documents of the EU on problems of the rights of national minorities and its language policy are analysed in the article.

  • Issue Year: 15/2007
  • Issue No: 1
  • Page Range: 43-54
  • Page Count: 12
  • Language: English