The language policies of ethnic autonomous regions

Elise Pizzi; Alex Bezahler; Haofeng Ma

doi:10.1080/00343404.2026.2659800

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The language policies of ethnic autonomous regions

Journal article

Peer reviewed

The language policies of ethnic autonomous regions

Elise Pizzi, Alex Bezahler and Haofeng Ma

Regional studies, Vol.60(1), 2659800

2026

DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2026.2659800

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Abstract

Official language recognition and language of education are often contentious in plural societies. Ethnic regional autonomy (ERA) enables local language policies. We examine official language status, language of instruction and compulsory language learning in 135 ERAs in 31 countries. We find titular ethnic languages are more likely to have official status in regions with larger titular ethnic populations. Titular ethnic languages are more likely to be used for instruction in democracies; regional institutions do not influence language policy. Results highlight the importance of local demographics and country institutional context and have implications for language practices and preservation in plural societies.

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Details

Title: Subtitle: The language policies of ethnic autonomous regions
Creators: Elise Pizzi - University of Iowa
Alex Bezahler - University of Iowa
Haofeng Ma - University of Iowa
Resource Type: Journal article
Publication Details: Regional studies, Vol.60(1), 2659800
DOI: 10.1080/00343404.2026.2659800
ISSN: 0034-3404
eISSN: 1360-0591
Publisher: Taylor & Francis
Number of pages: 18
Language: English
Electronic publication date: 05/14/2026
Date published: 2026
Academic Unit: Center for Social Science Innovation; Political Science
Record Identifier: 9985166754802771

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