MINORITY LANGUAGE MEDIA IN WESTERN-EUROPE - PRELIMINARY CONSIDERATIONS

In recent years minority languages have become an increasingly importa nt issue in Europe and part of the general debate over regionalization . As these debates have developed, the question of minority language m edia has also emerged as an issue of importance. However, despite some studies of specific European situations, there has been little genera l discussion of the problems which confront minority language media. D iscussion of these issues is important, not just to reach a full under standing of specific situations, but also to allow generalizations abo ut the role of minority language media. In addition to these particula r concerns, the study of minority language media focuses attention on the links between language, collective identity and the media and thus can make a useful contribution to the larger debate concerning the me dia's role in the maintenance of national identity. In this article se veral issues are discussed as a preamble to any assessments of particu lar situations or more general comparisons. First, the varying paramet ers of minority language situations are outlined, as much to emphasize differences as similarities. Second, the conditions under which minor ity language media are likely to emerge are considered. Third, the pol itical needs of minority languages in relation to the media are discus sed by using the concept of the public sphere. Finally the role of int ellectuals in minority language media is considered. The article concl udes by noting a series of points derived from the issues discussed wh ich need to be considered when minority language media are being analy sed or assessed.