Journal of Foreign Languages, Cultures & Civilizations

Minority Languages and the Media: Their Development under the Protection of the Council of Europe and the European Union
Sara Núñez de Prado Clavell

Abstract
As a consequence of migratory flows, border modifications and wars, many European nations now host groups of citizens who possess characteristics (such as language, religion and ethnicity) that distinguish them from the majority of their fellow citizens. Many European governments now pay special attention to helping such minorities defend their rights. This article discusses the international protection of national minority groups, with a focus on the work of the Council of Europe. The article also discusses the protection of minority languages, and includes examples of legislation that some countries have adopted – following Council of Europe rules – to protect minorities and help them defend their languages. In addition, the article discusses the media to which national minorities have access, as the media are valuable tools for maintaining and disseminating language and culture.

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