Why The Implementation of Linguistic Rights Is Particularly Important?

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‘Language rights’ and ‘linguistic rights’ are human rights that have an impact on the language

preferences or use of state authorities, individuals and other entities. Language rights are usually
considered broader than linguistic rights and this guide uses both terms to discuss both the
necessary minimum and possible extra measures that should or can be taken to effectively
implement the rights of linguistic minorities. Language is central to human nature and culture, and is
one of the most important expressions of identity. Issues surrounding language are therefore
particularly emotive and significant to linguistic minority communities seeking to maintain their
distinct group and cultural identities, sometimes under conditions of marginalization, exclusion and
discrimination

All of these describe similar basic approaches for state authorities to meet their human rights
obligations involving language, according to which they must:

• respect the integral place of language rights as human rights;

• recognize and promote tolerance, cultural and linguistic diversity, and mutual respect,

understanding and cooperation among all segments of society;

• put in place legislation and policies that address linguistic rights and prescribe a clear framework

for their implementation;

Why the implementation of linguistic rights is particularly


important?
1) It improves access to and the quality of education for minority children
2) It promotes equality and the empowerment of minority women
3) It leads to better use of resources
4) It improves communication and public services
5) It contributes to stability and conflict-prevention
6) It promotes diversity

The problem of linguistic minorities in India is a post-independence development and unless it is


dealt with resourcefully it may assume all the frightful proportions of the communal problems. The
problem of providing safeguards to linguistic groups is not confined to any one State or to a few
States. It has to be faced in most part of the country as it exists in both unilingual and composite
States. The problem was not absent during the British period but common subjection and the
necessity of wining freedom from foreign rule prevented linguistic minorities calls for Statesman-like
handling. The States reorganisation commission 1955; rightly observes that "over emphasis on the
rights of minorities and too many special safeguards for them would tend to keep the minority-
consciousness alive and might thereby hamper the growth of a common national hood". There is no
substitute for give and take in solving this difficult problem.

India contains numerous racial, cultural and linguistic minorities at different stages of development
in different parts of the country. In a democratic State like ours. Government would rightly, and
according to our constitution, be controlled by the majority. All the same, the protection and
encouragements for full development of the potentialities of the various minorities are not only
necessary for national integration but also for developing the fullest potentiality of the Nation.

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