Language Research

The Framework Convention for the Protection National Minorities signed on February 1, 1995, ratified March 17, 1999 and enacted on July 1, 1999.

The European Charter for Regional or Minority languages signed on November 5, 1992, ratified on November 10, 1993 and enacted on March 1, 1998.

Updated (May 2007)

NORWAY SHOULD ADOPT A STRUCTURED POLICY REGARDING THE MINORITY LANGUAGES

The Committee of Experts of the Council of Europe, responsible for evaluating the application of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, has recently published a report on minority languages in Norway. The report refers to the Sámi and Kven languages and the non-territorial Romani and Romanes languages.

In order to evaluate the use, recognition and protection of these languages the Committee has considered several aspects such as their public presence (press, radio, TV, etc.), current legislation and specific policies, and the teaching of these languages in the education system.

After visiting the country and collecting data provided by the Norwegian authorities, associations and centers promoting language recognition, the Committee has recommended:

1. To adopt a structured policy for the protection and promotion of the Kven language in co-operation with its speakers, especially concerning the standardisation of Kven, the improvement of teaching in/of Kven at all appropriate stages, and the increase of the use of Kven in the public sphere;

2. To strengthen efforts to provide teaching material for Kven, Southern Sámi and Lule Sámi, Romani and Romanes;

3. To ensure that the healthcare institutions in the Sámi administrative district offers services in the Sámi language;

4. To ensure that the national population registers and other public institutions accept Sámi names written in their correct native form.

Source: Linguamón, News, May 23, 2007 http://www10.gencat.net/pres_casa_llengues/AppJava/frontend/noticies_detall.jsp?id=110&idioma=5

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