The Right of Members of Ethnic Communities in Republic of Macedonia to Use Their Language in Line with the Ohrid Framework Agreement
The Right of Members of Ethnic Communities in Republic of Macedonia to Use Their Language in Line with the Ohrid Framework Agreement

Summary/Abstract: As an universal system of symbols and means for communication, language has an exeptionally important role in the overall process of socialization. As one of the most important factors in the process of constitution of collective identity, language represents the key instrument in indentity policy. Of all the rights that make up the category of cultural rights, the so-called language right or the right to use one's own language has drrawn the most attention. The right of members of ethnic communities to use their own language is one of the most sensitive topics in multiethnic and multicultural societies, primarly due to its multiple functions specifically as a means for communication, as the most vital feature of the cultural and ethnic identity of the community and generally due its function during the socialization process.The question weather or not members of ethnic communities have the right to use their language is oftentimes politicized and seen as political affirmation and social promotion of communities, but also as an instrument that defines the relation between the majority and the minority communities in the country. For the needs of this study and in order to determine the extent to which members of ethnic communities can exercise their right to use their own language implemented with Ohrid Framework Agreement, we drew a parallel with the recommendetations from one of the most important international documents - the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Majnorities, which represents the first legally-binding multirateral instrument in rpotecting the rights of national majnorities.

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