LL-L "Language politics" 2010.08.30 (03) [EN]

[Lowlands-L List]

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*L O W L A N D S - L - 30 August 2010 - Volume 03
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From: Hellinckx Luc <luc.hellinckx at gmail.com>

Subject: LL-L "Language politics"



On 30/08/10, at 21:46, Lowlands-L List wrote:



I imagine that this is particularly common among overseas Scots that, while
flaunting their Scottishness, are really not well informed about today’s
Scotland. However, I would not be surprised to find out that this attitude
still prevails in Scotland as well, at least in certain sectors of society.



I have noticed similar attitudes among overseas Germans and Netherlanders
regarding Low Saxon as a recognized language.



Can any of you share further information on this?



Usually, the more distant a language is from the main "power"-language, the
easier it is to become recognized, I think. (Former) Sister languages
especially seem to get less recognition...maybe because it often takes a
long time (and fierce competition) for the standard language to become
official. "Sisters" can then get jealous ;=)



In Italy, every Romance language, different from standard Italian is still
considered an Italian dialect, even though most of these actually evolved
from separate languages that were once sister languages of Latin (compare
with Lowlands Scots and Low Saxon), but who have (recently) become
influenced by standard Italian.



Recognition is also a relative concept. Who should recognize you? Only the
authorities that could be financially beneficial...or the whole wide world?

Friulian for example is recognized by the Italian state, but neighbouring
Venetian is only recognized at the regional level.



Kind greetings,



Luc Hellinckx, Halle, Belgium



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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>

Subject: Language politics



Thanks, Luc.



It’s similar in most countries in which sister languages are used, at least
in Europe.


Sweden refuses to recognize as separate any Scandinavian language within its
borders.


France treats Occitan as a French dialect group although it is derived from
a different parent language.


Standard, Cappadocian, Cretan, Pontic and Tsakonian Greek are derived from
different Hellenic languages but are now treated as though they were one
language, Standard Greek being the only valid form.


And the list goes on.



Regards,
Reinhard/Ron
Seattle, USA



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