Language 42. States’ policies should balance the need for one or more shared language(s) as a common basis for the integration and functioning of society with the obligation to safeguard and promote linguistic diversity, including by protecting the linguistic rights of minorities. Governments should provide accessible opportunities to learn the State language. Language is an essential component of individual and collective identity. International standards, as interpreted by the relevant bodies, have specified with some detail the content of the rights of persons belonging to minorities to use their own language freely and without interference, in private and in public, orally and in writing.106 At the same time, this right to use, preserve and promote minority languages has to be balanced with other rights and needs, including the designation of one or more shared language(s) as a common basis for the functioning and integration of a society. While States have an obligation to protect and promote minority languages and the right of persons belonging to minorities to learn and use them, minorities share with the majorities the responsibility to participate in the cultural, social and economic life and in the public affairs of their wider society. This participation implies, for instance, that persons belonging to minorities should acquire adequate knowledge of the State or official language(s).107 The balance between these two facets of language promotion is contextual, varying from country to country and depending upon the situation of each minority, and it is never permanently achieved. The HCNM’s experience indicates that disagreements about this balance are frequent and may create significant inter-ethnic tension. Language policies aimed at promoting integration respectful of diversity should include the following considerations: − States may designate a State language; that is, a single language, for official use in public institutions, services and infrastructures. Introducing a policy 106 Inter alia, ICCPR, article 27; Copenhagen Document, paragraph 35; FCNM, articles 10–14; European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, 1992; Oslo Recommendations; and Commentary on Language. 107 Copenhagen Document, paragraph 34; Hague Recommendations, Recommendation 1; and FCNM, Explanatory Report to article 14. Also see Guidelines 10 and 11. 52 Guidelines on Integration of Diverse Societies