Moving towards Europe with the Soviet language policy background.
(Case of Azerbaijan)

© Gulshan Pashayeva
Azerbaijan

Abstract

During the whole period of world history the struggle of people for the sake of national liberation were often a continuous process in the movement for preserving and developing the national language, which became the symbol of national identity and cultural independence.

After the break-up of Soviet Union, national movements in the majority of the regions were born and were developing around the means of preserving the national and cultural traditions, - national tongues. Different kind of language laws has been adopted in the certain union republics.

Azerbaijan was not an exception to the rule. The law “Concerning State Language of Azerbaijan Republic” was adopted on December 22, 1992. The law stipulates official status for the Azerbaijani language within the state and it also guarantees the citizens of Azerbaijan the right to use any other mother tongues on the territory of the Republic.

Realising the protection and promotion of minority languages as well as official language of Azerbaijan is one of the important innovations newly independent Azerbaijan. It could be considered as a very valuable contribution in moving towards Europe where the principles of democracy and cultural diversity are the most indisputable truth.

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