This thesis examines one of the most important areas through which a state can affect the vitality of a minority language community: the use of minority languages in the public administration. The study begins with an examination of the European Union Framework with regard to the protection of minority languages in the light of the Treaty of Lisbon and the Charter of Nice. It analyses the relevant Council of Europe Treaties, and in particular the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in so far as they deal with the protection of minority languages in the public administration and public institutions. The thesis also assesses the CoE and EU Frameworks for the protection of minority languages. The national and regional legislation of Italy (Valle d’Aosta, Trentino Alto Adige, Friuli Venezia Giulia, Sardinia and Sicily), Spain (Catalonia, Basque Autonomous Community, Navarra, Galicia, Balearic Islands and Valencia) and UK (Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland) are scrutinized to compare the different approaches adopted for the protection of minority languages. This analysis is focused on the crucial sectors of the public administration and public institutions which have both a high symbolic value and significant levels of inter-action with the minority language-speaking populations. The similarities and differences between the Italian, Spanish and the UK legislation in this field are examined, such gaps as exist between the aims of the legislation and reality are identified, as are the difficulties in the implementation of this form of legislation in the public administration.

Thesis (M.A.)--University of Toronto, 2006. / Source: Masters Abstracts International, Volume: 44-06, page: 2509.