Language Policy in Macedonia: Achievements and Major Challenges
Language Policy in Macedonia: Achievements and Major Challenges

Summary/Abstract: The article analyzes the language policy and language planning in the Republic of Macedonia after signing the Ohrid Framework Agreement in 2001. The main focus lies on the background of the constitutional changes in 2001 as well as the legal changes and the subsequent practice in the field of language rights and the official use of minority languages in Macedonia. The authors analyze the ethno-linguistic tensions in the first ten years of Macedonian independence (1991-2001) which were also one of the basic reasons for the armed conflicts in 2001. They discuss the future challenges and options concerning the language policy in Macedonia determining the language issue as one of the main pillars for building a democratic political system and inter-ethnic tolerance in Macedonia as well as assuring the existence of Macedonia as an independent state in its present borders. The general conclusion of the article is the need for a systematic approach toward the creation and implementation of a language policy, based on a vision of building a trusting relationship across society, as essential for sustainable democracy.

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