Zhuravleva A.M. Public organizations in the language policy of the three cantons of Switzerland

Abstract: The subject of this research is the role of public organizations in formation of the language policy of the following cantons of Switzerland – Fribourg, Valais, and Graubünden. The multilingualism of the said cantons is officially codified in their constitutions and legislations; however, de facto the equality of rights among the language groups of the populations took some time to establish. It is assumed that such public organizations as “The Society of German Catholics” of Fribourg, “The Roman League” of Graubünden, etc. working with the language minorities, have affected the development of the language law and policy within the cantons. This article recites the data from the Swiss and international researches on the stated topic since the end of the XIX century until today. The work of these organizations resulted in the development of the indigenous identity among the language minorities, as well as in the consolidation of their efforts. By means of public campaigns, the organizations were attempting to attain the equality of language rights, as well as referendums on the introduction of changes into the language legislation.

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