Language, Minorities and Human Rights (International Studies in Human Rights): 45 - Hardcover

De Varennes, Fernand

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 904110206X ISBN 13: 9789041102065

Publisher: Brill Nijhoff, 1996

Synopsis

One of the most vexing issues in many of the world's so-called ethnic or minority conflicts is the question of language use by the State and its citizens. While international and national law has traditionally viewed language preference to be within a State's prerogative - at least when involving governmental activities and machinery - this position has proved to be a continuous source of acrimony and conflict, and wrong in some respects. Language, Minorities, and Human Rights is the most complete book ever written on the topic, providing for the first time an analysis of every aspect of language and the law. In addition to presenting a theoretical model for language's particular position and relevance in human rights, it constitutes an invaluable reference document by including the provisions of close to 100 international, multilateral and bilateral instruments involving language rights, as well as the constitutional provisions of 140 countries dealing with language. By addressing little explored areas such as the language rights of indigenous peoples, non-citizens and even the use of script, in addition to more traditional topics such as nationalism and language, freedom of expression and non-discrimination, Language, Minorities and Human Rights proposes a complete descriptive picture of language and human rights as well as proposing a number of suggestions on how to address and balance the many problems currently caused by the linguistic demands of various individuals and the interests of states in nation building.

About this title

Review:

'This study is authoritative, yet succinct - and an ideal discourse, but very direct. ... the user may conveniently consult one source, for the most complete coverage of this subject available between two covers.'
ASIL Newsletter, June 1997.

Synopsis:

One of the most vexing issues in many of the world's so-called ethnic or minority conflicts is the question of language use by the state and its citizens. While international and national law has traditionally viewed language preference to be within a state's prerogative - at least when involving governmental activities and machinery - this position has proved to be a continuous source of acrimony and conflict. This work provides an analysis of various aspects of language and the law. In addition to presenting a theoretical model for language's particular position and relevance in human rights, it constitutes a useful reference document by including the provisions of close to 100 international, multilateral and bilateral instruments involving language rights, as well as the constitutional provisions of 140 countries dealing with language.

About this edition

• Publisher: Brill Nijhoff
• Publication date: 1996
• ISBN 10: 904110206X
• ISBN 13: 9789041102065
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 552