International Journal of Bilingual
Education and Bilingualism
Editor: Colin Baker, University of Wales, Bangor
Review Editor: Aneta Pavlenko, Temple University, Philadelpia
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Volume: 6 Number: 2 Page: 129–145
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Mother Tongue Education and the Law: A Legal Review of Bilingualism with Reference to Scottish Gaelic
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Rhona K. M. Smith
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This paper focuses on the legal framework supporting the development of bilingual education. Following a short overview of salient minority language issues, relevant initiatives from international law (the
United Nations) and regional law (the Council of Europe and the European Communities) establish the legal parameters of its promotion. The practical ramifications of this are illustrated with reference
to Scottish Gaelic. It is concluded that though the law can throw a lifeline to such a language, it cannot force the policy-makers and native speakers to take positive remedial action.
© Multilingual Matters 2003
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