Ethnic and language policy of the Republic of Lithuania : basis and practice

LTReikšminiai žodžiai: Etninė politika; Etninės mažumos; Integracija; Kalbos politika; Nacionalizmas; Tautinė politika; Tautinės mažumos; Ethnic minorities; Ethnic policy; Integration; Language policy; Lithuania; Nationalism.

ENThe contemporary Lithuania is a multiethnic country for which formulating an appropriate ethnic and language policy after the restoration of independence represented the key aspect for consolidation of the democratic political system. The article provides an overview of the legislative development of the Republic of Lithuania in the area of rights of ethnic minorities within the interpretive scope referring to Lithuanian political discourse and international political and legal standards. The basis of the Lithuanian concept is confronted with the scope of practical consequences brought about by real application. It is argued that the effort to accommodate the groups of ethnic subjects of neighbouring regionally hegemonic countries reflects in two principles: firstly, in inclusive and relatively tolerant attitude towards ethnic minorities, including the issue of citizenship, minority school system and culture; secondly, in strict language regulation and political valorisation of Lithuanian as the privileged means of communication in the public sphere. [From the publication]