Majority or Minority Languages? For a new discourse on languages

Abstract

I propose, at least where Europe, and more specifically the European Union is concerned that the question of language is approached from the perspective that all European languages are equal and necessary in order to form and respect all the pieces which make up what we know as Europe: a mosaic of different pieces which, together, constitute Europe itself and outline that the EU wants to act on the terms of a progressive and co-operative democracy between the various countries of Europe. The EU has already proclaimed, in constitutional language, its desire to be a diverse organization of people, language, and cultures. It is only possible to accomplish this if full respect is shown for every aspect of human rights, amongst which are those of language.

Keywords

• European Union
• language
• equality
• human rights
• diversity