the Framework Convention must thus take into account that language affiliation is based on free self-identification, and that it is neither static nor exclusive. Persons belonging to national minorities may be identifying as such in certain situations, through the use of the minority language for instance, and in others they may choose not to, by speaking the state language. Some rights, including the right to use a minority language in public, can be effectively enjoyed only in community with others. Language being a central form of expression and communication, the protection of linguistic rights must therefore be guaranteed in connection with other rights, including, inter cilia the right to education, access to the media, and participation in cultural, social