LANGUAGE RIGHTS AS A PART

OF HUMAN RIGHTS
-Language and Communication

Presented by:
1.Naveena J
2. Chirenjeevi K
3.Gangadharan K
4. Karthik B
5.Kathir S
AGENDA

• Introduction
• Human Rights
• Language Rights
• Specifications of Language Rights
• The importance of Language Rights
• Historical context of Language Rights
• Language rights and Educations
• Language rights and cultural preservation
• International agreements on language rights
• Challenges to language rights
• Promoting and protecting language rights
• Conclusion
INTRODUCTION

• Human rights are rights that each and every

one of us possess by the simple fact that we
are human beings.
• Human rights are rights inherent to all human
beings, regardless of race, sex, nationality,
ethnicity, language, religion, or any other status.
Human rights include the right to life and liberty,
freedom from slavery and torture, freedom of
opinion and expression, the right to work and
education, and many more.
UNDERSTANDING HUMAN RIGHTS

Existing international human rights mandate that all

individuals have the right to private and family life,
freedom of expression, non-discrimination and/or
the right of persons belonging to a linguistic minority
to use their language with other members of their
group.

The fundamental right also guarantees the right to

speak in accordance with Article 14-21 depicting the
right to learn a language and use that as a medium
of communication everywhere.
 LANGUAGE RIGHTS
• Language rights are about ensuring that everyone has the freedom to
use, preserve, and develop their own language. It means that people
should be able to speak, read, and write in their language.
• It’s all about respecting and protecting the linguistic diversity and cultural
identity of individuals and communities.
• Language is also a vehicle for participation in community and cultural life.
• The freedom to express ourselves through language is a fundamental
human right.
• The purpose of language rights is to defend official language minority
rights, and to assure the equal status of the official languages.
 SPECIFICATIONS OF
LANGUAGE RIGHTS
Language rights encompass several key specifications that aim
to protect and promote linguistic diversity and ensure equal
access to language-related opportunities.

Here are some important specifications of language rights:

1. Right to use one’s language.
2. Right to education in one’s language.
3. Right to access public services in one's language.
4. Right to participate in decision-making.
5. Protection of minority and indigenous languages.
6. Right to linguistic accommodation.

These specifications of language rights contribute to fostering

linguistic diversity, cultural preservation, and inclusive societies
that value and respect all languages and their speakers.
THE IMPORTANCE OF LANGUAGE RIGHTS
Language rights are incredibly important for
several reasons. Firstly, they promote inclusivity
and respect for cultural diversity.

Secondly, language rights foster effective

communication and understanding. When
individuals are able to use their preferred
language, they can fully participate in society,
access education, healthcare, and public
services, and engage in meaningful interactions.

Furthermore, language rights play a crucial role in

promoting social and economic development.
 HISTORICAL CONTEXT OF LANGUAGE
RIGHTS
• Linguistic rights were first included as an international human right in the Universal
Declaration of Human Rights in 1948.
• The historical context of language rights is quite diverse and complex, varying
across different regions and time periods.
• Language rights have been influenced by factors such as colonization,
globalization, and the struggle for cultural and linguistic autonomy.
• Overall, the historical context of language rights is shaped by struggles for cultural
identity, linguistic diversity, and equality.
LANGUAGE RIGHTS AND EDUCATION
 LANGUAGE RIGHTS AND EDUCATION

• They include the right to speak one’s own language in legal, administrative and judicial
acts, the right to receive education in one’s own language, and the right for media to be
broadcast in one’s own language.
• Language in education policy derives from the Indian Constitution which guarantees
linguistic rights to all citizens; most importantly, members of minority groups (both
religious and linguistic) are granted a special right to be educated in their mother
tongue.
INTERNATIONAL AGREEMENTS ON
LANGUAGE RIGHTS
 CHALLENGES TO LANGUAGE RIGHTS
• There are several challenges and problems faced by language rights. One common
issue is linguistic discrimination, where certain languages are marginalized or
stigmatized, leading to unequal access to resources and opportunities.
• Another problem is language endangerment, where languages are at risk of becoming
extinct due to factors like globalization, migration, and language shift.
• Limited access to education and public services in minority languages can also pose a
challenge.
Challenges
to language
rights
PROMOTING AND PROTECTING OF
LANGUAGE RIGHTS
In more recent history, language rights movements have
emerged to address the issues of language rights and
advocate for the recognition and protection of minority
languages. These movements have sought to secure
language rights through legal frameworks, policies, and
grassroots activism.

To promote and protect language rights, there are several

actions that can be taken:
1. Raise awareness: Educate others about the importance of
language rights and the value of linguistic diversity. Start
conversations, share information, and engage in discussions
to promote understanding and support.
• 2. Advocate for policies: Encourage governments and institutions to adopt policies that
protect and promote language rights. This can include legislation that ensures access
to education, public services, and legal proceedings in one’s own language.
• 3. Support language revitalization: If there are endangered languages in your
community, support efforts to revitalize and preserve them. This can involve promoting
language learning programs, creating resources, and encouraging intergenerational
language transmission.
• 4. Encourage bilingualism and multilingualism: Embrace and celebrate multilingualism
by promoting the learning of multiple languages. Encourage schools and institutions to
offer language learning opportunities and create inclusive environments where
different languages are respected and valued.
• 5. Document and preserve languages: Support initiatives that document and
preserve endangered languages. This can involve creating language archives,
recording oral histories, and supporting linguistic research.
• 6. Respect and use languages: Show respect for all languages and encourage
others to do the same. Use and promote your own language in various contexts,
such as in social media, literature, art, and music.
• Remember, language rights are about inclusivity and respect for linguistic diversity.
By taking these actions, we can contribute to the promotion and protection of
language rights for all.
 CONCLUSION
In conclusion, language rights are essential for
preserving cultural diversity, promoting inclusivity,
and ensuring equal opportunities for all. By
recognizing and protecting the rights of individuals
“Our language to use their own language, access education and
public services in their language, and participate in
is the reflection decision-making processes, we can foster a more
of ourselves.” equitable and harmonious society.

"Language is not just words. It's a culture, a

tradition, a unification of a community, a whole
history that creates what a community is" -
Noam Chomsky.