Possible peaceful existence of national and minority languages
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22247950 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Camiel Hamans (0000-0002-1568-4703, Comité International Permanent des Linguistes, corresponding author) |
| Year | 2026 |
| Volume | 30 |
| Issue | 2 |
| Pages | 310-330 |
| Publication date | 2026-06-30 |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Russian Journal of Linguistics (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2686-8024 • E-ISSN: 2687-0088 |
| Publisher | Peoples' Friendship University of Russia (PUBLISHER • RU) |
| DOI | 10.22363/2687-0088-47400 |
| OpenAlex | W7166702550 |
| Language | EN |
| References cited | 16 |
This study examines whether it is socially feasible for a country to accommodate minority languages alongside a national language without this leading to tensions, violence or separatist movements. The aim of this article therefore is to discuss and clarify the relationship between national languages and minority languages, so that there is sufficient social space and appreciation for minority languages without detracting from the importance of a national language. This study comprises a review of the literature, beginning with the period in which national standard languages emerged and were codified, and culminating in the conviction that a country should be monolingual and that minority and regional languages should be eradicated. Particular attention is paid to the linguistic ideas of the French Revolution and German Romanticism. The violent consequences of such a policy of linguistic essentialism are illustrated by examples of the language disputes in Spain and Belgium. Next, again based on a review of the literature, the study examines the late 20th century response at (Western) European level to the violent actions of oppressed linguistic minorities. It emerges that a solution is sought in a specifically anti-essentialist approach, characterized by inclusiveness, diversity and tolerance. This approach is proving successful. The results show that a policy less focused on centralization and standardization can provide space for minority languages without detracting from the status of the national language, thereby preventing potential tensions and violent actions. The article therefore concludes with a plea to promote an approach, which emphasizes diversity and therefore tolerant attitudes
Conviction · German · Language policy · Linguistic diversity · Minority language · Neuroscience of multilingualism · Plea · Linguistic and Sociocultural Studies · Minority Rights and Languages · Multilingual Education and Policy
| Highly cited | No |
|---|