LL-L "Language survival" 2002.10.01 (03) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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 L O W L A N D S - L * 01.OCT.2002 (03) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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 A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
 L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic
               V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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From: George M Gibault <gmg at direct.ca>
Subject: Language preservation

Fellow Lowlanders,

First, my heartfelt thanks to those who answered my enquiry about the legend
of the sunken town! On the subject of language survival, I have seen
firsthand the impact of government attempts to kill, promote, favour and
even impose language on populations with diverse attitudes. It is a very
tricky business.

In Canada, attempts to kill Gaelic and aboriginal languages were mostly
successful in the past - to the point where present attempts at revival may
be too little too late. Attempts to promote, favour or impose French have
been sometimes successful, sometimes hopeless failures, and always deeply
resented by a significant minority, and in some cases a clear majority of
the population.

I hope we will always remember that the survival of any language depends
ultimately on the attitude of the young. If they want to speak it - for
whatever reason - it will live - similarly - if they don't want to speak
it - again for whatever reason - it will die.

Young children who are well cared for and loved will tend to accept their
parents' values and affirm them with pride. In teenage years, most will grow
apart or rebel to varying degrees - and this is entirely normal and natural.
Language policy must take these facts into account, as well as the
biological need to be exposed to more than one language or dialect early in
life to develop the neurological flexibility to learn more than one form of
speech well.

All too often, language policies end up like parents choosing their
teenager's career without any knowledge of, or sincere enquiry as to their
actual interests and desires. Even worse - like parental sponsorship of a
potential boy or girlfriend - the kiss of death.

Language preservation to work must be a popular youth movement first,
accepted by government - but never portrayed as the older generation's dream
for the young. Comics, music, film - whatever the vehicle of youth happens
to be in the place and at the moment - is the key to success. If local young
people don't have a major role in formulating local language policy its
chances for success are dim.

I have lived just long enough to see traditional folk music go from being
very cool to being very uncool  back to being very cool again. Don't give
up - certainly not - but for heaven's sake don't start with the politicians
and lawyers - they can always be dragged along later. Start with the kids -
it is their brains and mouths which form the field on which the campaign
will be won or lost!

alle die beste                  George M. Gibault

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