Linguistic diversity as curse and as by-product
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Philippe Van Parijs
Abstract
What is linguistic diversity? How can it be measured? Can the spreading of a lingua franca be expected to reduce it? And if so, does it matter? In an attempt to answer these questions, this paper first distinguishes the three dimensions of diversity – richness, evenness and distance – and describes the tension that is bound to arise between linguistic diversity in various senses and the promotion of multilingualism. It next distinguishes between the two levels of linguistic diversity – local and territorial – and describes the structural tension that tends to develop between local and territorial linguistic diversity. Against this background, it argues (a) that linguistic diversity, by itself, cannot plausibly be regarded as a good, all things considered, especially because of its negative impact on the prospects for economic solidarity; (b) that the erosion of local linguistic diversity should therefore be witnessed with equanimity; but (c) that territorial linguistic diversity will nonetheless need preserving as the by-product of a concern for the equal dignity of the identities closely associated with native languages.
Abstract
What is linguistic diversity? How can it be measured? Can the spreading of a lingua franca be expected to reduce it? And if so, does it matter? In an attempt to answer these questions, this paper first distinguishes the three dimensions of diversity – richness, evenness and distance – and describes the tension that is bound to arise between linguistic diversity in various senses and the promotion of multilingualism. It next distinguishes between the two levels of linguistic diversity – local and territorial – and describes the structural tension that tends to develop between local and territorial linguistic diversity. Against this background, it argues (a) that linguistic diversity, by itself, cannot plausibly be regarded as a good, all things considered, especially because of its negative impact on the prospects for economic solidarity; (b) that the erosion of local linguistic diversity should therefore be witnessed with equanimity; but (c) that territorial linguistic diversity will nonetheless need preserving as the by-product of a concern for the equal dignity of the identities closely associated with native languages.
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Introduction: Respecting linguistic diversity in the European Union 1
-
Part 1. Factual and theoretical approaches
- Linguistic diversity as curse and as by-product 17
- Linguistic diversity in the European Union: An overview 47
- Principles of policy evaluation and their application to multilingualism in the European Union 73
- A one-dimensional diversity? European integration and the challenge of language policy 85
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Part 2. Protection of linguistic diversity in EU law
- Union citizenship and language rights 107
- EC law and minority language policy: Some recent developments 123
- The protection of linguistic diversity through Article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights 145
- The protection of linguistic diversity through provisions of the EU Charter other than Article 22 175
- Languages that are official in part of the territory of the Member States: Second-class languages or institutional recognition in EU law? 191
- Appendix 231
- Contributors 261
- Index 265
Chapters in this book
- Prelim pages i
- Table of contents v
- Preface vii
- Introduction: Respecting linguistic diversity in the European Union 1
-
Part 1. Factual and theoretical approaches
- Linguistic diversity as curse and as by-product 17
- Linguistic diversity in the European Union: An overview 47
- Principles of policy evaluation and their application to multilingualism in the European Union 73
- A one-dimensional diversity? European integration and the challenge of language policy 85
-
Part 2. Protection of linguistic diversity in EU law
- Union citizenship and language rights 107
- EC law and minority language policy: Some recent developments 123
- The protection of linguistic diversity through Article 22 of the Charter of Fundamental Rights 145
- The protection of linguistic diversity through provisions of the EU Charter other than Article 22 175
- Languages that are official in part of the territory of the Member States: Second-class languages or institutional recognition in EU law? 191
- Appendix 231
- Contributors 261
- Index 265
