This week, reviews Le Monde and La Vie have jointly published a particularly accomplished and recommendable Atlas des Minorités.

Over 200 pages of articles by leading scientific figures, 200 maps, an in-depth exploration of the subject from politics to history, to geography, psychology, and linguistics: tables of content that engaging, are scarce.

The idea here is to understand the present in the light of the past. Throughout five main chapters, the Atlas attempts to outline the notion of “minority” by examining the history of the “majority systems”, and turning to the fate of the current minorities (either on-site or travelling) to end up with a universal statement: we’re all part of a minority.

The five chapters organize as follows:

– articles on the notion and definition of a minority;

– a historical chapter exploring different parts of the globe: Europe, the Muslim world, India, China;

– a larger section titled Les mosaïques contemporaines, still turned towards China, India, Europe, as well as Africa, the Middle East, and the Americas.

– the 4th chapter address the question of minorities originating from migration: Romani, Jew, Armenian, Palestinian, Chinese, etc.

– “All minorities?” asks the final chapter, alongside a reflection on indigenous rights, the regional languages of France, environmental migrants, the gay community, the organic communities, women leaders, the disabled… and even “endangered dictators”!

Closer to our focus, the Atlas features an article on “Linguistic wealth in jeopardy” (Une richesse linguistique en péril) by linguist/Sorosoro Board member Colette Grinevald and Sorosoro Director Rozenn Milin; figures, maps, relevant data… all the elements required to reframe a delicate subject.

Buy the Atlas online