Une conception dynamique du principe de territorialite linguistiqueLa loi sur les langues du canton des Grisons

In: Politique et sociétés, Band 29, Heft 1, S. 231-259

Abstract

The linguistic territoriality principle (LTP) states that each territory can have only one official language: cuius regio, eius lingua. Once established, the linguistic borders can hardly be changed. Its advocates claim that the LTP is the best way to protect vulnerable languages & that it ensures a "context of choice" to individuals. Critics, however, stress the high costs of the LTP in multilingual settings, especially with regard to identity & freedom of individuals whose language has not been officially recognized. The article argues that most critiques can be tackled by adopting a more dynamic conception of the LTP. Thus the relevant "territory" must not be the nation-state & not even a federal unit & changes of linguistic borders can be explicitly permitted & submitted to transparent direct-democratic procedures. A recent language law introduced in the trilingual (German/Italian/Romansh) canton of the Grisons, Switzerland, nicely fits this model. It provides interesting solutions of protection for Romansh, a language whose survival is menaced. Adapted from the source document.