Living Apart in the Same Room: Analysis of the Management of Linguistic Diversity in Bolzano

Abstract

This contribution analyzes the arrangements used to manage the German-speaking minority of Bolzano, Italy. Traditionally, the literature on language policies has focused on the cohesion of the state, the well-being of individuals, the protection of linguistic groups, and the maintenance of language diversity. In contrast, this case study shows that, in discussing language policies, it is necessary to consider the impact on relations among linguistic groups. I argue that language in and of itself is not an element of division; rather, I consider language as a mind-set, which becomes an issue in a specific structural context. Language policies should aim at addressing this mental status that maintains language as a divisive factor within a population. As this case study will demonstrate, Bolzano arrangements form a parting-regime, which, by keeping separate its inhabitants and impeding mixed use and contamination between majority and minority idioms, does not counter the understanding of language as an element of division; rather the arrangements reinforce the idea that language relations are competitive.