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Abstract

The notion of freedom of choice has a dual function in liberal theories of minority rights; it has been invoked both to defend group-specific rights and to draw the limits of these rights. This is the cause of a tension. This article explores the implications of this tension for public education in multination states. It is argued that the tension takes a specific form in language rights claims made by national groups that are not illiberal. For even if a linguistic group that lays claims of recognition is liberal, illiberal features may be the by-product of the autonomy sought by the group, which seems prima facie puzzling. The article suggests a possible direction to solve the puzzle through a redistribution of costs and benefits regarding language policy within the state.

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The Challenge of Choice

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