Dutch, Frisian and Low German: the state language of the Netherlands and its relationship with two Germanic minority languages. Part 1

Abstract

The primary involvement of the Fryske Akademy (Frisian Academy) lies in the domain of history, literature and culture related to the West Frisian language. The users of its nearest relatives, the East and North Frisian languages in Germany, are less numerous and these languages are included into the list of most endangered languages of Europe. This report describes the present day position of the Frisian language as one of the minority and regional languages of Europe and considers the relationship of Dutch with Frisian and the Low German dialects in the Netherlands (where it is called Low Saxon) and other parts of the world. Sections on the language characteristics, its speakers, language use, multilingualism, language policy, are followed by a survey of organizations which are involved in the documentation and safeguarding of Frisian and other regional and minority languages in Europe: the Fryske Akademy and the Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. One of the subjects for study is the possible effect the new media have on the use of norms in the written language. This survey can be useful for the study and safeguarding of minority language situations elsewhere in the world.