Communicating Language Rights in Multilingual Societies

Ahairwe Frank

Faculty of Business Administration and Management Kampala International University Uganda

Email: ahairwefrank56@gmail.com

ABSTRACT

Language rights are fundamental components of human rights, especially in multilingual societies where speakers of non-dominant languages often face marginalization. This paper examines the concept of language rights within legal frameworks, theoretical paradigms, historical contexts, and real-life case studies, with particular attention to how such rights are communicated and contested. Drawing on collective and individual perspectives, the study examines how language policies either empower or suppress linguistic minorities, analyzing critical case studies such as the status of the Albanian language in Greece and Italy. The paper also investigates the role of communication strategies and education systems in the protection or erosion of linguistic diversity. It argues that legal codification, political will, inclusive education, and equitable media representation are essential in promoting language rights as active and enforceable entitlements rather than abstract ideals. Ultimately, the paper underscores the need for inclusive and multilingual communication strategies that can help mediate the complexities of linguistic identity and state power.

Keywords: Language rights, multilingualism, language policy, minority languages, legal frameworks, linguistic justice, communication strategies, bilingual education.

CITE AS Ahairwe Frank (2025). Communicating Language Rights in Multilingual Societies. IDOSR JOURNAL OF ARTS AND HUMANITIES 11(3):19-25. https://doi.org/10.59298/IDOSRJAH/2025/1131925