Conflict over Language Rights

Language policy is a tool for regulating the status of languages and allocating benefits and resources in society for language groups. Thus, language policy has both an instrumental and symbolic value for the ethnic groups and is a source of conflict between language groups and the state in many countries. This study aims to analyze the perceptions and positions of two groups in Turkey, Kurds and Circassians, regarding language rights. The data for the analysis was obtained out of the texts that are published by some groups in these communities, and interviews with the representatives of these groups. Overall, language policy is percieved as a matter of recognition by the Kurdish groups, while for the Circassians the primary problem is to increase language use of the community and to develop the language. Therefore, while Kurdish groups demand their language to be treated equally in status with the Turkish language, the Circassian groups demand support for the education and development of the language. In order to accomodate the needs and interests of each particular language group, language policies should take these differences into consideration.

Autorentext

Burcu Toksabay studied International Relations for her undergraduate studies and Conflict Analysis and Resolution at Sabanci University at graduate level. Completing an M.A. program in Sociology at METU, she is now studying for a Phd degree in the same field. Her research interests include minorities, refugees and human rights.