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This Primer addresses the role of language in constitutional design, and the key considerations, implications and potential challenges that arise in multilingual states. It discusses the range of claims around language as a constitutional issue, and the potential consequences of successfully addressing these claims—or failing to do so. It also addresses some of the key questions in relation to language that are likely to arise in constitution-building processes: In what language(s) will the civil service provide public services? What language(s) will public schools use for teaching? What are the language(s) of legislative debates and legislation? In what language(s) should judicial proceedings be conducted and judgments rendered? How should language or linguistic rights be framed to ensure equal treatment, and to effectively protect and accommodate individuals, minority groups and indigenous peoples?

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