This unit introduces the main issues addressed in the course. Furthermore, definitions are given of key terms such as the concept of language, dialect, variety and standard language, the concept of nation-state, national language, language contact, diglossia, bilingualism, multilingualism, majority and minority languages, multilingual states, nationalism, language and society, and language policy.

This unit is a survey of the minority languages in Europe.

In some states minority languages have no legal status. In order to avoid the death of minority languages it is necessary to have positive attitudes towards them. This unit deals with how states face multilingualism.

Nowadays there are many languages at risk of disappearing. For the last decades, revitalization of endangered languages has become a world phenomenon. This unit discusses why languages may die, causes and levels of language endargerment and loss. Students will examine some programs to revitalize languages, together with some case studies.

This unit introduces the main issues concerning linguistic policies, especially those designed to protect and promote regional or minority languages. Some examples will be provided.

This unit deals with the history of the Charter and its main features and raises the question of its implementation. It discusses how the charter has been implemented in some countries.

At present, families in which at least one parent speaks a minority language lack support on how to teach their children. In this unit we discuss the importance of education for the survival of minority languages.

This unit is an introduction to pidgin and creole languages as marginal or minority languages.