Lesser-used languages in the Czech Republic : problems of development in a linguistically “homogeneous” nation-state
Abstract
This paper deals with language policies concerning lesser-used languages in the Czech Republic which reflect traditional understanding of the Czech State as ethnically Czech and of minority languages as languages spoken only by ethnic minorities. As a result, the protection of lesser-used languages is dependent on ethnic minority policy, based on the principles of territoriality, indigenous status and citizenship.
However, the Czech Republic is characterized by low concentrations, dispersal and high level of linguistic assimilation of ethnic minorities. Although the languages of most numerous immigrant groups are, at the same time, also indigenous languages of the country, due to their foreigner status, the public authorities apply a different language policy towards the immigrants.
The policy is assimilationist, characterized by a lack of interest in the immigrants’ original language competence and a failure to see it as the population’s natural source of language skills.