Chapter 4 — Affirming Identity, Language, and Culture

This chapter focuses on protecting identities and cultures while responding to globalization.

Cultural affirmation

Actions that recognize, support, and strengthen cultural identity.

Cultural revitalization

Restoring or strengthening cultural practices and traditions.

Linguistic rights

Rights relating to using, learning, and preserving a language.

Language laws

Laws that regulate or protect the use of languages.

Endangered language

A language at risk of disappearing.

Language extinction

When a language no longer has speakers who use it as a living language.

Language preservation

Protecting a language so it continues to exist and be passed on.

Language revitalization

Increasing the number of people learning and using a declining language.

Dominant language

A language with greater influence or use in a particular society.

Minority language

A language used by a smaller or less powerful linguistic community.

Official language

A language recognized for official government use under a country's laws.

Official bilingualism

The recognition and use of two official languages in government and public institutions.

Multilingualism

The use of multiple languages by a person or community.

Assimilation

When people adopt the dominant culture and may lose parts of their original culture.

Integration

Participating in a larger society while maintaining aspects of one's own identity.

Marginalization

Pushing a person or group to the edges of society and limiting their participation or influence.

Accommodation

Making adjustments to respect cultural differences and allow participation.

Homogenization

Cultures becoming more alike.

Migration

Movement of people from one place to another.

Immigration

Moving into a country to live there.

Emigration

Leaving one's country to live elsewhere.

Majority group

A group with greater numbers or social, political, or cultural influence in a particular context.

Minority group

A group with less power or influence in a society, not necessarily fewer people.

Monoculture

A situation where one culture dominates, with little recognition of cultural differences.

Secularism

The principle of separating religious institutions from government, though its meaning varies by context.

Multiculturalism

Recognizing and supporting different cultural communities within a society.

Cultural content legislation

Rules intended to support or promote a country's cultural products and content.

Cultural diversity

The presence of different cultural groups, practices, and perspectives.