The Tower of Babel: Human Rights and the Paradox of Language

Paz, Moria

doi:10.1093/ejil/chu037

Cited by 7 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 0 publications

Supporting

Mentioning

Contrasting

Order By: Relevance

“…They involve the right to speak one's own language in legal, judicial, and administrative acts and contexts, the right to get an education in one's own language, and the right for media to be on air in one's own language (Minority Rights Group International, 2020). Linguistic human rights include language rights that are fundamental for a dignified life and their protection against violations (Paz, 2014).…”

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the Clash of Discourses on Linguistic Human Rights: Focus on the Private Schools in Sindh, Pakistan

Ali,

David

2023

Forma. func.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

This study investigates the clashing discourses of linguistic human rights in Pakistan’s multilingual Sindh province, where Sindhis are the majority, and English, Urdu, and Sindhi are used as official languages. The Sindhi language activists want Sindhi to be used as the medium of instruction for the first five formative years of education, while many Sindhi parents want their children to be taught in English. Such diverging demands have caused the clash of discourses on linguistic human rights in Sindh. Therefore, by conducting semi-structured interviews of 20 participants, this study investigates why Sindhi language activists and parents hold different views of what constitutes language human rights. Findings demonstrate that the Sindhi language activists’ conceptualization of linguistic human rights emphasizes cultural heritage, ethnic consciousness, and linguistic unity. In contrast, the Sindhi parents’ conceptualization of linguistic human rights focuses on upward social mobility, prestige, and linguistic domination.

show abstract

Section: Literature Reviewmentioning

confidence: 99%

Investigating the Clash of Discourses on Linguistic Human Rights: Focus on the Private Schools in Sindh, Pakistan

Ali,

David

2023

Forma. func.

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

show abstract

“…Nevertheless, courts and legal institutions are not willing to force countries to face costs covering the protection of cultural diversity. Other than a few exceptions or national political compromises, supervisory bodies promote cultural and linguistic assimilation of the majority (Paz, 2014).…”

Section: Lack Of Awareness Of What Constitutes a Crime In The Host Co...mentioning

confidence: 99%

Immigrant prisoners in Italy. Cultural mediation to reduce social isolation and increase migrant prisoner well-being?

Garro

Schirinzi

Novara

et al. 2022

IJPH

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

Purpose This study aims to highlight how easy it is for immigrants to break Italian law because of the country’s inadequate cultural and linguistic mediation service. Insufficiencies in this service also have a negative impact on both the psychological and physical health of migrant prisoners. Furthermore, Italian is used in legal disputes and prison, and reference is made to Italian culture, preventing migrants from understanding their position regarding the law. Design/methodology/approach This report concerns the psychological discomfort of migrant incarcerated individuals within Italian prisons due to national laws in force. Consideration is also given to the negative impact on the physical health of incarcerated migrants. Findings Best practice should include adequate space for linguistic and cultural mediation in reception centres and prisons. It is considered suitable to combat social exclusion, even in prison. Research limitations/implications The report is not research on prisoners, but it focuses on making visible the condition of migrant individuals incarcerated in Italy. Social implications Enforced isolation does not allow immigrants to become a community resource but has negative repercussions in terms of financial, social and well-being costs. Originality/value This paper is one of few in limited, national or otherwise scientific output, to contribute to migrant inmate visibility in Italy. Taking action for the well-being of migrant prisoners will not only have a positive impact on a social level but should also help reintegrate these individuals after serving their sentence.

show abstract

Language Rights, Human Rights and the Right to Chat

Lewis

2022

Language, Policy and Territory

View full text Add to dashboard Cite

The Tower of Babel: Human Rights and the Paradox of Language

Cited by 7 publications

References 0 publications

Investigating the Clash of Discourses on Linguistic Human Rights: Focus on the Private Schools in Sindh, Pakistan

Investigating the Clash of Discourses on Linguistic Human Rights: Focus on the Private Schools in Sindh, Pakistan

Immigrant prisoners in Italy. Cultural mediation to reduce social isolation and increase migrant prisoner well-being?

Language Rights, Human Rights and the Right to Chat

Contact Info

Product

Resources

About