[lg policy] Belfast council launching functioning, evolving language policy

[Harold Schiffman]

21 April, 2017 00:59
Topics

TODAY Belfast City Council will take steps to achieve what the stalled
talks at Stormont have so far failed to do – launch a functioning, evolving
language policy.

After months of language-based issues dominating the headlines, Belfast
City Council is leading the way in delivering for all citizens, showing how
a joint-up approach can deliver an inclusive outcome for everyone. After
all, language defines who we are, so it is only right that we celebrate it.

As a multi-cultural city, the streets of Belfast regularly come alive with
the sounds of different languages and dialects – something the council
recognised when it first started consulting on what shape the city’s new
language policy should take.

The strategy delivers for Ulster Scots and minority languages, including
sign language, but the main focus is likely to be on the Irish language.
Despite the political football the Irish language has become, it is worth
remembering it’s simply not for one side of our community, but remains part
of our shared culture and heritage.

A unified proposal, if given the go ahead will start to see small changes,
such as seeing tourism and cultural initiatives promoted through Irish and
the use of Irish language when it comes to everyday use of council
services, facilities and events. In everyday practice this means things
like the development of an Irish language micro site within the website,
the provision of an Irish language or bilingual version of press statements
to the Irish language media as appropriate and recognising the practice of
speaking Irish in the council chamber.

To help deliver this the opportunity is also there to appoint an Irish
language officer, with the help of Foras na Gaeilge, at a maximum cost of
£20,000 to the council. But this is only the beginning. Alliance wants to
see an end to the politicising of the Irish language and the often
offensive characterisation of the language and its speakers.

This will only be achieved if the language is promoted outside traditional
means, opening it up to currently closed doors, making it a true part of
our city. But this is only one part of a longterm strategy to see the open
and diverse city that Belfast has become reflected in how it is governed.

Many other languages have a place in our city and Alliance will be pushing
to establish an ethnic minority language forum to hear from speakers how we
can best serve them. Language and culture plays an important role in our
city. As our recently launched language policy for the city states – Tús
maith, leath na hoibre – a good start is half the work. Once the policy is
approved, you will have your chance to have your say when the document goes
out to public consultation.

http://www.peig.ie/en/ag-treochtu/belfast-council-launching-functioning-evolving-language-policy




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