Minority Language Media in Western Europe

Abstract

In recent years minority languages have become an increasingly important issue in Europe and part of the general debate over regionalization. As these debates have developed, the question of minority language media has also emerged as an issue of importance. However, despite some studies of specific European situations, there has been little general discussion of the problems which confront minority language media. Discussion of these issues is important, not just to reach a full understanding of specific situations, but also to allow generalizations about the role of minority language media. In addition to these particular concerns, the study of minority language media focuses attention on the links between language, collective identity and the media and thus can make a useful contribution to the larger debate concerning the media's role in the maintenance of national identity. In this article several issues are discussed as a preamble to any assessments of particular situations or more general comparisons. First, the varying parameters of minority language situations are outlined, as much to emphasize differences as similarities. Second, the conditions under which minority language media are likely to emerge are considered. Third, the political needs of minority languages in relation to the media are discussed by using the concept of the public sphere. Finally the role of intellectuals in minority language media is considered. The article concludes by noting a series of points derived from the issues discussed which need to be considered when minority language media are being analysed or assessed.