Language Rights and Political Theory [Paperback]

Will Kymlicka (Editor), Alan Patten (Editor)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0199262918 | ISBN-13: 978-0199262915 | Publication Date: August 7, 2003

This volume provides the reader with an up-to-date overview of the emerging debates over the role of language rights and linguistic diversity within political theory. It brings together many of the leading political theorists who work in the field, together with some of the most important social scientists, with the aim of exploring how political theorists can conceptualize issues of language rights and contribute to public debates on language policy. The thirteen essays in this volume highlight both the empirical constraints and normative complexities of language policy, and identify the important challenges and opportunities that linguistic diversity raises for contemporary political theory.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Until now, there has been no major work or edited volume dealing with language rights from the standpoint of normative political theory.... Anyone presently interested in working on language rights in political theory should begin here."--Perspectives on Politics

"This is a thoughtful collection of essays on a longstanding issue which has only recently come under legal and political analysis:how do we manage political and social arrangements when we do not all speak the same language? Kymlicka and Patten have brought together a range of experts to discuss this key question. The result is a collection of diverse views which will provide much to ponder for anyone interested in questions of language rights, minority rights, and very basic questions of justice such as the fair distribution of burdens, the 'free rider' problem, the functioning of democracy."--Law and Politics Book Review

About the Author

Will Kymlicka is Queen's National Scholar, Department of Philosophy, Queen's University

Alan Patten is Associate Professor of Political Science, McGill University

Product Details

• Paperback: 368 pages
• Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA (August 7, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0199262918
• ISBN-13: 978-0199262915
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 0.8 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,223,821 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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