LL-L "Language survival" 2003.04.28 (14) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 28.APR.2003 (14) * 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) N=Northumbrian
S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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From:  "Ian James Parsley" <parsleyij at yahoo.com>
Subject:Language survival

Mike,

Yes, that was precisely my point. *Some* minority and
regional languages simply have no need of a
'standard', and any attempt to enforce one would be at
best pointless.

That is not to say that *no* minority or regional
languages need a 'standard'. For example, if a
language's speakers reach the stage where they wish to
produce journals, periodicals or newsletters in the
language, especially if these are aimed at the entire
'language community', then some sort of 'standard' or
'agreement on spelling guidelines' becomes almost
essential.

And I do suspect that Scots, the language in which I'm
directly interested, falls into the latter category.

However, any move towards 'development' of any given
variety must be taken carefully. For example, hardly
anyone left in Ulster takes Scots (or 'Ulster Scots')
seriously, even among its own speakers. Part of this
is the result of its use as a political football, but
part of it is also through the actions of perfectly
well-meaning souls who have simply rushed a certain
development before the language and its speakers were
actually ready and able for it.

I have noticed similar trends with Scots in Scotland
and Low Saxon - enthusiasm must be tempered sometimes
by sound strategic thinking!

Best wishes to sunny Tampa!
-----------------
Ian J. Parsley
Co Down, Northern Ireland

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