In many cases, language is a vital component of individual and group identity and
figures prominently among the aspects by which ethnic minorities distinguish
themselves from majority populations in their host-countries. Thus, the very survival
of a minority population as a distinct ethnocultural group often depends upon
provision for the continued preservation of its mother tongue as a living language.
This can normally only be achieved if this language is used in public as well as the
private sphere and is taught as a first language at schools, which, in turn, is only
possible if political and legal conditions are in place that allow minorities to „live? in
their language. Such conditions include, above all, a commitment by the relevant
state not to discriminate against people who speak a language other than the
language of the titular nation. However, general non-discrimination legislation and its
enforcement are often not enough to enable a minority to preserve its language. The
Oslo Recommendations regarding the Linguistic Rights of National Minorities
emphasise that the legislative framework also needs to provide for complete equality
in the use of individual and place names, must allow language use in the practice
and profession of religion and religious ceremonies, that it should extend
permissively into community life, the media, and public administration, and that
adequate funding should be provided for the implementation of such laws. Where
appropriate, cross-border cooperation should be permitted with countries to whose
populations the members of the minority feel ethnically or linguistically related (High
Commissioner on National Minorities 1998).