Multilingualism in Kosovo and Switzerland; a Comparable Viewpoint of Language Policy

Abstract

The main aim of the paper is to show the differences and similarities of the language use and language policy in The Republic of Kosovo and The Federation of Switzerland. It has a look in to the core documents of language including the constitution of both countries. Both nations have different historical trajectories that influenced their multilingual status. In Kosovo, language rights are centrally determined and protected by constitutional and legislative acts, guaranteeing official status to Albanian and Serbian nationwide, alongside municipal protection for minority languages such as Bosnian and Turkish. In contrast, Swiss multilingualism operates under federalism and the principle of territoriality, delegating policymaking powers to cantons to preserve harmony among linguistic communities. The study analyzes central institutions and local practices, highlighting Prizren as an example of municipal multilingualism in Kosovo. While Switzerland established an effective system out of a historical need for survival, Kosovo adopted positive discrimination in language policy to fulfill international requirements. However, Kosovo still faces practical implementation challenges due to limited economic and human capacities.