Minority Languages in Europe

GABRIELLE HOGAN-BRUN is Research Fellow in Language Studies at the - University of Bristol. Her publications in sociolinguistics include numerous articles on the language situation in the Baltic, and on the German language. She is the author of National Varieties of German Outside Germany (2001). She runs the British Academy funded Baltic Language and Integration Network (BlaIN). - STEFAN WOLFF is Lecturer in the Department of European Studies, University of Bath, UK. He has written extensively on a wide range of ethnopolitical issues, and his publications include Disputed Territories: The Transnational Dynamics of Ethnic Conflict Settlement (2002), Peace at Last? The Impact of the Good Friday Agreement on Northern Ireland (2002, with JOrg Neuheiser) and Managing and Settling Ethnic Conflicts (2002, with Ulrich Schneckner).

'This book provides a highly useful interdisciplinary treatment of the challenges and opportunities confronting minority languages in Europe. Although problem spots change over time, some fundamental questions keep resurfacing, and the legal and institutional approaches in the first chapters of this volume offer a well-balanced introduction to essential aspects of minority language issues. The general papers are complemented by careful case studies, and this book is destined to remain a valuable resource for students and scholars in years to come.' - Francois Grin, University of Geneva 'Important reading for anyone interested in minority languages, in particular recent developments in Central Europe. The chapters in the book represent a good overview of the current debates on language rights, linguistic diversity and efforts at protection and promotion by international treaties and organizations. It is a rich and fascinating collection which adds a number of in-depth case-studies on German minorities, national minorities in the Baltic states and the Romani language. Those are minorities that have not received much attention in the literature thusfar and these contributions will not get outdated easily. The book sheds real light on issues of minority languages and language policy.' - Dr Durk Gorter, Ikerbasque research professor, University of the Basque Country 'This book is a...must...for those interested in multilingualism, language planning and language policy, whether teachers, students, politicians and scholars in the field. I recommend Minority Languages in Europe not only because of its timeliness and relevance, but also because of its multidisciplinary approach to a better understanding of language conflicts in Europe.' - Professor Dr. Peter H. Nelde, Director of the Research Centre on Multilingualism, University of K.U.Brussels 'This is a timely work which contains a fascinating discussion of key areas in managing Europe's cultural and linguistic diversity. It may contribute in theoretical and empirical terms to a better understanding of the challenges facing the new Europe, and the legal and political imperatives for diversity.' - Dr Fernand De Varennes, Senior Lecturer, Murdoch University School of Law, Western Australia

• Notes on Contributors Acknowledgements Preface List of Tables PART 1: INTRODUCTION Introduction: Minority Languages in Europe: An Introduction to the Current Debate; G.Hogan-Brun & S.Wolff When Language is 'Just Symbolic': Reconsidering the Significance of Language to the Politics of Identity; C.O'Reilly PART 2: LEGAL FRAMEWORKS Devising an Adequate System of Minority Protection in the Area of Language Rights; K.Henrard Facilitating or Generating Linguistic Diversity: Ulster-Scots and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages; M.N.Craith The Practitioner's Perspective: Minority Languages and Linguistic Minorities in the Work of the OSCE High Commissioner on National Minorities; J.Packer PART 3: CASE STUDIES German-speaking Minorities in Central and Eastern Europe: An Assessment of the Legislative and Policy Framework in Poland, Hungary and Romania; K.Cordell & S.Wolff Baltic National Minorities in a Transitional Setting; G.Hogan-Brun Politics and Language Rights: A Case Study of Language Politics in Croatia; V.Pupavac Minority Needs, or the Ambiguous Power of Translation; C.Millán-Varela On Policies and Prospects for British Sign Language; G.H. Turner The Changing Status of Romani in Europe; D.W.Halwachs PART 4: CONCLUSION Conclusion: Contesting Linguistic Homogeneity: Minority Policies and the Nation-State; S.May Index