Gaelic and Sámi: Promoting Mutual Learning in the Protection of Indigenous Languages, conducted in partnership with Várdduo Centre for Sámi Research, Umeå Unive
This project compares current institutional arrangements for the maintenance and revitalisation of Gaelic and Sámi cultures, with a focus on languages. It assesses the suitability of these arrangements in relation to challenges faced by speakers of these Indigenous languages and discuss possible new or supplementary approaches that could help to realise the potential cultural, social, and economic added value of linguistic diversity.
The project is supported by the Scottish Government Arctic Connections Fund 2021-22 and arises out of the activity of the COST Action European Non-Territorial Autonomy Network (ENTAN – www.entan.org). It seeks to bring together academic experts and practitioners from Scotland, Sápmi, Sweden and beyond to boost public awareness and support knowledge exchange and mutual learning on best-practices to promote Indigenous-languages.
First Project Webinar: Gaelic and Sámi: Sharing Knowledge on Promotion of Indigenous Languages 16 February 2022, 09.30-12.00 (UTC)
First Project Webinar: Gaelic and Sámi: Sharing Knowledge on Promotion of Indigenous Languages 16 February 2022, 09.30-12.00 (UTC)
The past three decades have seen significant developments in policies and practices geared to promotion of the Gaelic and Sámi languages. The year 2022 also marks 30 years since the drafting of the Council of Europe European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, which (since 2000 in Sweden and 2001 in Scotland) provides a common framework committing signatory governments to resolute action in this field. This webinar reflects comparatively on these developments, by addressing the following questions: what have been the main achievements relating to Gaelic and Sámi language promotion and what kinds of cultural, social, and economic added value have been derived from this? What are the most pressing issues and challenges in the two language contexts at the present time, and how might these be addressed? How effectively do the respective institutional frameworks and relevant bodies (Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Sámediggi) function in terms of promoting the languages and giving voice to the two linguistic communities?
Panellists:
Rob Dunbar, Professor, Chair of Celtic, University of Edinburgh
Panellists:
Rob Dunbar, Professor, Chair of Celtic, University of Edinburgh
Anders Östergren Njajta, Language Consultant, Sámediggi
Johan Sandberg McGuinne, Teacher in Sámi and English, Lycksele kommun
Ulla-Karin Sarri, Chair of the Sámi Language Committee (Sámi Parliament of Sweden)
Jim Whannel, Bòrd na Gàidhlig
Craig Willis, Researcher, European Centre for Minority Issues, Flensburg
Watch the recordings:
