The European charter for regional or minority languages as a peace instrument

Анотація

This paper summarizes the recent Ukrainian language policy and focuses on the role of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages in this respect.

In order to understand what the role of the Charter may be, first the background of the Charter is sketched. In connection herewith, the 19th century debate on the relationship between language and nation is stressed.

Subsequently a few examples of violent linguistic conflicts are presented. In the last part of the paper the emphasis is on the Ukrainian language debate. In addition, special attention is given to the role of the High Commissioner on National Minorities of the OSCE in the linguistic debates in former Soviet states.