Synopses & Reviews
Colin Williams argues that recent transformations in the organization of nation-states: decentralization, devolution, new regionalism, deliberative democracy, European integration, and horizontal governance, constitute new political opportunities for linguistic minorities, notably, the possibility of innovation and engagement in the language planning and policy making arenas.
Review
'Linguistic Minorities in Democratic Context will undoubtedly quickly become a classic in language policy literature. It presents a finely-balanced account of principles in language management, and shows how these have worked out in the major cases of the Celtic languages, the Spanish autonomous regions, and Canada. The wealth of detail of legislative and bureaucratic activities balances the sensitive analysis of competing theories, and supports Williams' argument for a holistic approach to understanding sociolinguistic ecology.' - Bernard Spolsky, Bar-Ilan University, Israel
'Colin Williams' book is an impressive treatment of the question of language and nation, the product of thorough scholarship and thought. Its interdisciplinary coverage encompasses linguistics, geography, political theory and institutional design. It will be an important reference point for debates about small nations and cultures in a globalizing world.' - Michael Keating, Professor of Regional Studies, European University Institute, Florence, Italy
Synopsis
This blends discussion of the role of language minorities in politics with examples of language policy in a range of national contexts. It discusses minority rights and language protection, the policies of the state in privileging powerful majorities, the opportunities and challenges of both devolution and globalization.
Synopsis
Linguistic Minorities in Democratic Context blends a discussion of the role of language minorities in politics with a detailed understanding of applied language policy in a variety of contexts ranging from Quebec, the Basque Country and Wales to Gaelic Scotland and Northern Ireland. Colin Williams discusses the controversial and contemporary issues of minority rights and language protection, the policies of the state in privileging powerful majorities, the new opportunities and challenges ushered in by regional-level devolution in Europe and the influence which globalization has on language competition and survival. He argues that after centuries of discrimination, well placed linguistic minorities are in positions of power and influence and must devise new strategies and justification to cope with the demands of responsible government. His analysis provides a fresh interpretation of the role of minorities within plurinational states and poses difficult questions for the framers of policies which seek to promote unity in diversity in both Europe and North America.
Synopsis
Colin Williams argues that recent transformations in the organization of nation-states: decentralization, devolution, new regionalism, deliberative democracy, European integration, and horizontal governance, constitute new political opportunities for linguistic minorities, notably, the possibility of innovation and engagement in the language planning and policy making arenas.
About the Author
COLIN H. WILLIAMS is a Research Professor, School of Welsh at Cardiff University.
Table of Contents
List of Tables and Figures
Acknowledgements
Introduction: Democratic Inclusion for the One and the Many
1. The Nationalist Inheritance in a Globalizing World
2. Democratic Impulses and Social Justice
3. Language Policy and Planning Issues in Multicultural Societies
4. Enhancing Linguistic Diversity in Europe: Cross-Cutting Themes
5. Celtic Language Regimes and the Basis for Deliberation
6. Welsh Language Policy and the Logic of Legislative Devolution
7. Recognition and National Justice for Quebes: A Canadian Conundrum Revisited
8. The Limits to Freedom
Appendix
Bibliography
Index