Linguistic policy and national minorities in Romania

Basic principles of Romanian linguistic policy as regards national minorities have been stipulated in Constitution and special laws. Although is too early to declare its model it can be considered an example of good practice in a highly sensitive matter. After a short presentation of the background, the paper analyzes the main features of minority language policy in Romania from a legal perspective. It deals in detail with the Constitutional and national laws which regulate the status of the official language, education in minority language, use of minority language in public administration and police forces, minority language and mass-media. Several considerations regarding the situation of Roma minority are added to complete the image before the conclusions that can be drawn at the moment