A comparative study relationg to the minority languages regulations

The subjet of our thesis consist of analysis of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, specially its content and legal and political effets. The Charter is an international convention prepared within the context of Council of Europe. As known, the Council of Europe thinks regional and minority languages as the wealth and diversity of Europe's cultural heritage. The Charter is based on eight basic principles to protect this cultural wealth and diversity. These principles are: recognition of regional or minority languages as an expression of cultural wealth; respect for the geographical area of each regional or minority language; need for resolute action to promote such languages; encouragement of the use of such languages in public and private life; facilitation of the teaching and study of such languages; promotion of relevant transnational exchanges; prohibition of all forms of discrimination; promotion by states of mutual understanding between all the country's linguistic groups. As a result of our thesis, we evaluated that The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages is an important international document for protection and development of regional and minority languages. Because the Chart prepared without taking too much attention principles of state sovereignty and territorial integrity, in practice, it is difficult to realize the desired objectives.