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Power of Language: The Impact of Multilingual Recognition on Political Participation among Linguistic Minorities

Author

Listed:
  • Ryotaro Yamana

    (School of Political Science and Economics, Waseda University)

  • Ryo Takahashi

    (Bren School of Environmental Science & Management, University of California, Santa Barbara)

Abstract

This study investigates whether symbolic inclusion can promote political participation among linguistic minorities. Leveraging Zimbabwe’s 2013 multilingual policy as a quasi-experimental setting, we examine the effects of the official recognition of minority languages on political participation and its underlying mechanisms. Using a difference-in-differences model, we find that the policy increased voter turnout among linguistic minorities by approximately 10 percentage points, with particularly strong effects observed among rural residents and women. Mechanism analysis suggests that this behavioral change was not driven by increased feelings of social inclusion, but rather by improved perceptions of democracy and political freedom, which enhanced the perceived legitimacy of electoral participation. These findings underscore the potential of symbolic inclusion policies—such as multilingual reforms—to strengthen institutional connectivity and foster democratic engagement among historically marginalized groups.

Suggested Citation

  • Ryotaro Yamana & Ryo Takahashi, 2025. "Power of Language: The Impact of Multilingual Recognition on Political Participation among Linguistic Minorities," Working Papers 2511, Waseda University, Faculty of Political Science and Economics.
    • Handle: RePEc:wap:wpaper:2511
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