Introduction: Minority Language Education Facing Major Local and Global Challenges

Abstract

This introductory chapter discusses the relevance of the focus on minority languages in multilingual education from different perspectives. It argues that minority languages, although they have a strong local dimension also have an important global dimension. Multilingual education here involves the use of minority, majority and English as languages of instruction. Minority languages speakers find new solutions to the educational challenges posed by multilingualism and globalization. Education is often seen as a safeguarding force and English as a threat, but not necessarily.