This dissertation offers a theoretical model to ground language rights, rooted in liberalism and the politics of difference. Many existing arguments for language rights apply what Raz has called an “interest theory of rights” to the issue of language rights, which implies that an interest important enough is grounds to hold others duty-bound. Different claims of interest regarding a particular language, such one's mother tongue, are assessed in light of (a) liberal principles of justice and (b) the politics of difference. A participation-based conception of linguistic justice, which stems from an interest in participating with others in public life in a particular language, is offered. The dissertation also discusses why this approach is preferable to the major contending positions, such as the emerging theory of linguistic human rights, which are unable to respond to some of the most important forms of language conflict, and/or rest on controversial anthropological or metaphysical views. Finally, it discusses how this conception of linguistic rights can provide guidelines for various domestic issues, such as the redrawing of internal boundaries and the distribution of burdens and benefits regarding language in the areas of education, public services and government employment, and democratic processes.
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