The core of the minority nation

This chapter examines linguistic policy as a cornerstone of minority nation identity, comparing Québec and Catalonia&s;s approaches to language preservation and promotion. Both governments have enacted laws and built institutions to protect their languages – French and Catalan – yet their outcomes diverge due to timing, political context, and control over related policy fields. Québec&s;s 1977 Charter of the French Language marked a decisive, non-incremental shift that benefited from favorable historical conditions and led to substantial powers over education, immigration, and culture. Catalonia, by contrast, faced delayed autonomy following Franco&s;s dictatorship and encountered resistance from Madrid when attempting to elevate Catalan&s;s status, especially after the 2006 Statute of Autonomy. The chapter argues that while incrementalism has worked in other domains, linguistic policy may require bold action at opportune moments. It concludes that language is not only a symbol of identity but also a strategic policy field intertwined with education, immigration, and foreign affairs – making it central to the success of minority nation governments.