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<p>While some persons belonging to linguistic minorities are proficient in (one of) the official language(s) of a country and therefore able to adequately handle administrative matters, others are not, which renders the use of minority languages in administrative contexts essential for facilitating effective communication. In cases where administrative bodies lack the required human resources to engage in minority language communication, they may have to resort to translation services. This article undertakes a critical examination of how the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and its Advisory Committee address the effects of varying degrees of official-language proficiency of persons belonging to linguistic minorities and the impact of relying on translators. It evaluates the relevant standards concerning minority language use and translation in this context: are they regarded merely as communicative necessities, or is the value of their symbolic meaning to the relevant communities also taken into consideration? Drawing on empirical data from administrative interactions with the Sorbian minority in Germany, this article also illustrates the practical implementation of these provisions and advisory opinions through a case study.</p>

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Translation in a Minority Language: A Sign of Genuine Recognition or Merely Perfunctory?

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年8月30日

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  • Jonathan Bernaerts

摘要

While some persons belonging to linguistic minorities are proficient in (one of) the official language(s) of a country and therefore able to adequately handle administrative matters, others are not, which renders the use of minority languages in administrative contexts essential for facilitating effective communication. In cases where administrative bodies lack the required human resources to engage in minority language communication, they may have to resort to translation services. This article undertakes a critical examination of how the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities (FCNM) and its Advisory Committee address the effects of varying degrees of official-language proficiency of persons belonging to linguistic minorities and the impact of relying on translators. It evaluates the relevant standards concerning minority language use and translation in this context: are they regarded merely as communicative necessities, or is the value of their symbolic meaning to the relevant communities also taken into consideration? Drawing on empirical data from administrative interactions with the Sorbian minority in Germany, this article also illustrates the practical implementation of these provisions and advisory opinions through a case study.