This publication considers the Charter for Regional or Minority Languages from a legal perspective. It illustrates the charter ratification process in individual states, presents implementation case studies for some states parties, assesses the influence of this instrument on domestic law and the legal implications of non-compliance. Some papers also explore more general issues surrounding the charter, weighing the advantages and disadvantages of a broad interpretation of the undertakings of states parties and looking at the challenge of adapting this instrument to a changing society.--Publisher's description.