aaus-list @ ukrainianstudies.org -- RE: [aaus-list] Re: The sophistry of Russian "regionallanguage"imperialism

["Sorokowski, Andrew (ENRD)" <Andrew.Sorokowski@usdoj.gov>]

This discussion illustrates how a catchy phrase like "freedom to choose"
often serves to conceal the real issues. On one level, everyone has the
freedom to make choices. "Freedom to choose" only has meaning if you
consider pertinent questions such as (1) what are the available choices,
(2) what are the consequences of making a particular choice, and (3) are
any legally imposed consequences fair. The historical and social context
must also be taken into account, e.g., if the titular language has been
historically disadvantaged, or if a "minority" language is spoken by a
dominant elite.

No one in Ukraine is forbidden to speak or write Russian.
As long as we have nation states, it is reasonable and fair for a state
to use the titular language for all official business and to require its
functionaries to know and use that language. It is also reasonable for
it to expect its citizens to learn the titular language and to use it in
official business. It is even reasonable for the state to give
preference to the titular language -- even if this can be seen as
"unequal treatment" of other languages -- in its policies.

What it cannot do is infringe on people's rights to use other languages
in private and public discourse. There are also certain minority rights
guaranteed under international law. I do not think, however, that they
contradict the general principle set out above.

Andrew Sorokowski

-----Original Message-----
From: aaus-list-bounces@ukrainianstudies.org
[mailto:aaus-list-bounces@ukrainianstudies.org] On Behalf Of stephen
velychenko
Sent: Monday, June 14, 2010 9:16 AM
To: Serbyn Roman
Cc: Ukrainian politics in the broadest sense; AAUS List;
politics@infoukes.com
Subject: [aaus-list] Re: The sophistry of Russian "regional
language"imperialism

1. there is no "freedom to choose" language use in a country where
media and corporations function in a foriegn language and where cheap
products in that foreign language flood the marketplce thanks to the
polices of the Kremlin..Those who "freely chose" not to use RUssian
remain unemployed bumpkins.

2. Koreans BANNED Japanese for 50 years in 1945. That did niether
Korea nor Japan any harm.
_______________________________________________
aaus-list mailing list
aaus-list@ukrainianstudies.org
http://www.brama.com/mailman/listinfo/aaus-list