Strategy for Scotland's Languages Consultation

[Harold F. Schiffman]

Strategy for Scotland's Languages Consultation

Scotland is consulting on a language strategy until 9 March. Today's press
release clearly states BSL, something England, Wales and Northern Ireland
could strive for. The consultation is available here.
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/163888/0044602.pdf

Date: February 06, 2007 Time: 13:15
LANGUAGE STRATEGY

Views are being sought on a new strategy to raise the profile of the rich
and diverse languages spoken in Scotland.  The Strategy for Scotland's
Languages builds on previous work which has been done by a range of
language initiatives supported by the Executive and others, and seeks to
encourage progress that has been made in different areas. There is a wide
range of language activity promoted in Scotland, extending from language
learning in schools to training British Sign Language (BSL)  translators.

The strategy contains discussion of these and other key areas of activity,
and seeks to highlight the initiatives that are in place and the direction
of current policy. It emphasises the need to equip all Scots with fluent
English language skills, as well as promoting linguistic diversity and
multilingualism including BSL and ethnic community languages. The document
also proposes the protection and promotion of the Gaelic language, as well
as a pledge that the Scots language will be treated with pride and
respect.

Culture Minister Patricia Ferguson said:

"This strategy seeks to provide a coherent approach to guide the
development of languages in Scotland and to complement and encourage the
progress that has been made so far. "Through this strategy we aim to raise
the profile of the rich and diverse languages spoken in Scotland, to
ensure that this rich heritage is recognised as a national resource and to
encourage people living in Scotland to learn languages other than their
own. "I look forward to receiving comments in due course on this draft for
consideration before we finalise the strategy."

The consultation runs until March 9.

http://www.grumpyoldeafies.com/2007/02/strategy_for_scotlands_languag.html

PDF: http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Resource/Doc/163888/0044602.pdf

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