The added value of regional and minority languages in multilingual and cross-border regions is undisputed.
Preserving linguistic and cultural diversity is a stated aim of the EU Fundamental Rights Charter, it is included in the Lisbon Treaty and laid down in documents of the Council of Europe. Nevertheless, the promotion of regional and minority languages on the European level is insufficient. The potential offered by the languages is not utilised sufficiently. The number of speakers is declining and assimilation wears on.
Increasing demands, developments in the society, economy and politics and the search for the advancement of a united Europe require a clear position in regard to the future of the regional and minority languages and their communities, and as a consequence thereof, strengthening the regions in Europe.
Following these principles, during the conference we would like to give fresh impetus to strengthen regional and minority languages in the general political debate as well as concretely within the context of the new Lisbon Treaty and the composition of the future funding programmes of the EU from 2014 onwards.
Furthermore the conference will be used to advance the networking efforts between European representatives of regional and minority language communities, based on the “JOINT STATEMENT OF COOPERATION” between FUEN and the Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity (NPLD).
Common actions and strategies on the European level are required, thereby including all the international organisations and a strong and united voice of the interest groups / NGOs on the European level.
The decisive factor in political networking is to always keep an eye on the connection between the political decision making level and the practical work and implementation of policies in specific language communities.
What affects the professional, what are the challenges and opportunities in creating networks of people who daily work for preserving the languages?
The second day of the language conference will mainly deal with the challenges and opportunities of the professionals. The experiences of the network RML2future from the last three years will be presented and proposals for networking and inspiration for their own work, for support and networking on the European level will be discussed.
The conference is directed towards representatives, activists, education policy makers and professionals from European regional and minority languages and representatives of multilingual European regions, towards cooperation partners and everyone who is interested.
To go to the online registration form follow this link.
Further Documents
- Guidance- Promotion of Regional and Minority Languages in Europe
- Recommendations
- Joint statement of Cooperation for the Promotion of Constitutional, Minority-, Regional and Smaller-State Languages
To see the press release follow this link.