wat happens 2 a linguistic minority in a state?

Answer 1

There is no ONE rule or pattern for this. It depends on a whole set of factors, including the history, role, relationships and relative power of the groups involved.

For example, a linguistic minority may, at times, be the group in power and/or be thought to be MORE 'cultured' (think Norman invaders of England, or European elites leading colonial governments in India, South Africa, etc).

Or you may have a situation in which the linguistic minority is strongly concentrated in one specific region. It may thereby have more influence on the behavior and policies of the whole -- e.g., the French-speaking Canadians, concentrated in Quebec.

And, of course, if the linguistic minority is not also fluent in the majority language, the community may find itself at a great disadvantage, e.g., economically. (This has often been the case in the U.S. with new immigrants... though typically they work hard so that at least their children will be fluent in English and so have the full range of opportunities in the culture.)

How the dominant group RESPONDS to the minority is certainly a major factor. The minority might be looked down on (which may or may not have significant social and economic consequences, such as difficulty being considered seriously for a job, housing, etc) or even feared by those who cannot understand what they are saying (esp. if their practices seem very different or they are suspected of banding together in a way that might 'threaten' the dominant group's interests).

Answer 2

What do you mean? With regards to what?

If you're talking about schools, from my experience teaching ESOL in Virginia, a linguistic minority will usually receive special classes centered around learning English. A linguistic minority would stay in these classes until they pass an English proficiency test.

Unfortunately, once a student passes the age of school, there is usually not much help for a linguistic minority. He or she can sign up for English classes at local churches or community colleges to help learn English.

Without knowing what specifically you mean, I'm not sure how to answer the question further.

Good luck! :o)

Answer 3

All minorities have the right to use their language. Some countries have schools organised in minority languages and sponsor various media in such languages such as newspapers, channels etc.