Contributions to the Philosophy of Linguistic Minorities in Hungary and Canada from the Middle of the 19th to the End of the 20th Century

Abstract

This paper is an examination of the philosophies relating to linguistic minorities, most specifically in Canada and Hungary from the mid 19th to the end of the 20th century. I review some relevant philosophers and their work as it might relate to linguistic minorities, and follow with a more detailed examination of Canadian and Hungarian thinkers. I also reviewed recent research and discoveries by neuroscientists about the operation and responses of the human brain, especially as they relate to fear, reason and the electronic media, and the effect this has on relationships between minorities and majorities. New evidence from environmental and space science points to all life being totally interdependent and this will also lead to a change regarding our view of minorities. My method is a review of relevant literature as well as personal observations based on a lifetime of experience. My purpose is not just to understand, but to suggest how we might change our philosophy about linguistic minorities. In this study there are some important questions we want ask and try to answer. What are the characteristics of linguistic minorities? How multi-layered, how multi-dimensional is the concept of linguistic minority? What is the difference between linguistic and cultural identity? What is the value for the linguistic majority of the presence of the linguistic minority and why should the minority be protected? If we lose language, do we also lose irreplaceable cultural treasures. With globalization and increased mobility, the probability of becoming a member of a linguistic minority increases. I conclude that increasingly linguistic and cultural identities and loyalties can be chosen, can be multiple and can change throughout a lifetime. Just treatment of linguistic minorities is not only beneficial for both the majority and the minority, but essential because it contributes to peace. This is attainable because the main force of evolution and progress is not competition but cooperation.