Local Language Policies for Non-Majority Communities

This study represents a pioneering attempt to evaluate the implementation of language policies in local self-government units (LSGUs) in Macedonia, 13 years after the signing of the Ohrid Framework Agreement introduced far reaching changes in the sphere of use of minority languages.

The analysis is based on data gathered in the period between November 2013 and March 2014 through a two-step methodology which involved:
(1) surveying of LSGUs in regards to official use of minority languages (through a uniform questionnaire); and
(2) semi-structured interviews with officials from six selected LSGUs (politicians, civil servants and translators/interpreters).

The analysis offers:
(1) An account of the general state of play in the field;
(2) In-depth analysis of the situation in six selected LSGUs (City of Skopje, Kumanovo, Gostivar, Chair, Studenichani, and Dolneni); and
(3) A set of recommendations directed at stakeholders on national and local level that aim to support a more effective implementation of local language policies towards non-majority communities.

This study was financially supported by the Slovak and Balkan Public Policy Fund.