THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CIVIC AND ETHNIC NATIONALISM ACCORDING TO ULADZIMIR FOURS, AND INSTITUTIONS FOR ENFORCING LANGUAGE RIGHTS AS THEIR POINT OF CONVERGENCE

Abstract

The paper critically examines Uladzimir Fours’s approach to the relationship between civic and ethnic nationalism. As an illustration of their interplay, it highlights public institutions responsible for the protection of language rights and the implementation of language policy. The article references Belarusian initiatives aimed at institutionalizing the defense of linguistic rights — such as the proposed but ultimately unrealized Belarusian state department for language affairs. As practical examples, it discusses public bodies that uphold linguistic rights in post-colonial countries and territories formerly under British rule. These include the Ministry of National Co-existence, Dialogue, and Official Languages of Sri Lanka; language commissioners of Canada, the Republic of Ireland, and Wales; and the Scottish Gaelic Board, among others. The paper emphasizes how such institutions contribute to civic autonomy, which Fours identifies as a key component of nationalism. Activities that promote this autonomy include assisting individuals in defending their linguistic rights, supporting institutions in developing language schemes, and fostering public dialogue.