The Impact of Legislative Protection of Linguistic Identity on the Media: An Analysis of Libyan Legal Texts

Abstract

This study aims to identify the Libyan legislative texts currently in force that relate to media identity and to examine the extent to which they keep pace with contemporary developments and contribute to the consolidation of Libyan national identity. The research problem arises from the crisis affecting Libyan identity, which became more pronounced following the political changes that occurred in February 2011. Given that language constitutes a fundamental component of identity, and in light of the multiplicity of social components within Libyan society, as well as the diversity of identities and languages it encompasses, this situation has been reflected in both the legislative and media spheres. Accordingly, the study adopts descriptive, analytical, and historical approaches to examine the evolution of Libyan media legislation and to analyze its role in protecting national and linguistic identity.The results of the study indicate that, historically, Libyan media have been shaped by authoritarian and ideological influences. In more recent years, they have also experienced chaos and institutional disorganization. This has, in turn, affected 

the formulation of public media policy by the state, thereby limiting its capacity to promote social cohesion and to contribute to societal stability and development. Moreover, media policy in Libya has been significantly influenced by the orientations of the political system, in addition to various internal and external factors that have played a negative role in the development of this policy and in its ability to fulfill its role in serving and consolidating a unified Libyan national identity. Furthermore, the study confirms that the Libyan legislator has provided legal protection to the Arabic language through the enactment of several laws that criminalize acts infringing upon this language.