LL-L "Language politics" 2008.07.03 (07) [E]

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L O W L A N D S - L  - 03 July 2008 - Volume 06
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From: R. F. Hahn <sassisch at yahoo.com>
Subject: Language politics

Dear Lowlanders,

Here's something from southwest across the European Lowlands fence in the
area of language politics and activism.

The French government may be sticking to its guns by refusing to
makeofficialany indigenous language besides French (based on a
specific interpretation
of the constitution). However, at the same time -- or is it *because* of it?
-- language activists in France seem to be getting rather boisterous. I've
read a fair bit about Breton and Occitan rallies and demonstrations, and
I've also been watching some video footage of such events as well as Occitan
presentations online. There seems to be much more energy in the Occitan
movement than in those of minority languages in Northern Europe, probably
including French Flanders. Some of it seems like street parties.
Participants look like having fun mixed with anger and frustration. There
seem to be many, if not mostly, young people among them. There is a general
call for Occitan consciousness, including calls with what sounds to me like
secessionist tones. Might this be an example to show that non-recognition
can unleash exactly that which non-recognition is supposed to prevent?

While the situation is not as serious for Low Saxon for instance, I wonder
if some of this youth-appealing energy would do its reassertion movement
good in combating lethargy and infighting as well as administrative
non-cooperation in the implementation of promised policies. It is my
impression that some of this is indeed being done in the Netherlands' part
of the Frisian-speaking world.

Please take a look at one of the more "aggressive" Occitan Flash
presentations:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OjjkAQE1A3Y

The song is in Occitan, but this is a rare case of inclusion of both Occitan
and English subtitles (not French ones!). You might have to watch it more
than once, because there is a lot being sung and written in rapid
succession.

And let me take this as an opportunity to announce that, thanks to our Mike
Winzer's facilitation, we now have an Occitan translation of the wren story:

http://lowlands-l.net/anniversary/occitan.php

My introduction to the language:
http://lowlands-l.net/anniversary/occitan-info.php

Enjoy!
Reinhard/Ron

•

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