Speaking of Secession: A Theory of Linguistic Secession

Abstract

Language is argued as a recognizable human right that can be enforced under international covenants. This theory of language as a human right is applied to the treatment of the Turks to undermine the Kurdish people in Turkey by subverting and constricting the Kurdish language. It is argued that, under such a linguistic theory, secession is permitted under international law and the creation of a new and recognizable government, separate from the previous host nation, across international borders where the concentration of the identifiable people is most dense.

Keywords: international law, comparative law, linguistics, human rights, language

JEL Classification: international and comparative law, linguistics, human rights, language