Linguistic human rights are essential for the protection and promotion of cultural diversity, as well as the full enjoyment of other human rights
SHOUKAT LOHAR
Linguistic human rights refer to the rights of individuals and communities to use and maintain their own language or languages, as well as the rights to access information and participate in society through the language(s) they speak. These rights are enshrined in international human rights law and are essential for the protection and promotion of cultural diversity, as well as the full enjoyment of other human rights such as the right to education, freedom of expression, and participation in public life.
The Universal Declaration of Linguistic Rights, adopted in Barcelona in 1996, defines linguistic rights as “the rights of all individuals and peoples to use their own language(s) in private and public life, without discrimination or restriction, and to maintain and develop their language(s).” This declaration recognizes that language is an integral part of a person’s identity and culture, and that the protection of linguistic diversity is essential to the promotion of human rights and social justice.
One of the key aspects of linguistic human rights is the right to use one’s own language in all aspects of life, including in education, the media, and public services. This means that individuals should be able to receive education in their own language, have access to information in their own language, and be able to participate fully in public life in their own language. It also means that governments and institutions have a responsibility to provide language services and resources to ensure that linguistic minorities are not excluded from participating in society.
Despite the recognition of linguistic human rights in international law, many linguistic minorities around the world continue to face discrimination and exclusion based on their language
Another important aspect of linguistic human rights is the right to maintain and develop one’s own language. This includes the right to use one’s language in private and public life, as well as the right to promote and preserve the language through education, media, and cultural activities.
Governments and institutions have a responsibility to support the maintenance and development of minority languages, including through the provision of language education, language planning, and funding for cultural activities.
Linguistic human rights are also closely linked to other human rights, such as the right to freedom of expression and the right to participate in public life. Without the ability to use one’s own language, individuals may be unable to fully express themselves or participate in society, which can lead to marginalization and exclusion. The protection of linguistic human rights is therefore essential for the realization of other human rights and the promotion of social justice.
Despite the recognition of linguistic human rights in international law, many linguistic minorities around the world continue to face discrimination and exclusion based on their language. Some governments have even actively suppressed minority languages in an attempt to promote national unity or assimilation. This highlights the importance of continuing to advocate for linguistic human rights and to promote the protection and promotion of linguistic diversity.
On the whole; linguistic human rights are essential for the protection and promotion of cultural diversity, as well as the full enjoyment of other human rights. The right to use one’s own language and to have access to information and participation in society in one’s own language are fundamental rights that must be protected and promoted by governments and institutions. The promotion of linguistic human rights is also crucial for the realization of other human rights and the promotion of social justice.
______________
Shoukat Lohar is Assistant professor in English at Mehran University of Engineering and Technology Jamshoro. He can be reached at Shoukat.ali@faculty.muet.edu.pk
