Minority Languages in Europe 3301-JF2713-2ST
This course offers an in-depth exploration of the typological characteristics of minority languages and the linguistic communities that speak them. Students will engage with the intricate social and political dynamics that affect language survival, gaining insights into the factors that can either foster language continuity or contribute to extinction. By examining the predictors of language longevity, learners will develop a nuanced understanding of how various elements, such as community engagement, governmental policies, and global trends, can shape the fate of minority languages. Through an extensive array of case studies centred on minority languages in Europe, participants will not only build a robust theoretical framework but also cultivate practical skills essential for language revitalization efforts. The course emphasizes the importance of real-world applications, allowing students to connect academic concepts with tangible strategies for promoting language use within communities. By the end of the course, students will be well-equipped to contribute meaningfully to discussions on language preservation and revitalization, fostering a deeper appreciation for the cultural richness embedded in minority languages.
1. Introduction to the course: overview, requirements, assignments
2. Languages in Europe
3. Mapping language diversity in Europe
4. The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
5. ECRML case studies: Switzerland, Spain and Poland
6. Regional or minority languages in education
7. RMLE case studies: France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Cyprus, Finland, Germany
8. Minority Language Medium Education
9. Developing a policy for teaching Frisian
10. Language policy and minority language education in Ireland
11. Micronationalism in Italy: Lombardy and Friuli
12. Minority language education in Sweden
13. Languages and the school in the Sami Areas of Norway
14. A trilingual teaching sequence in the Basque Autonomous Community
15. Educational policies in the process of revitalising Latgalian
16. Upper Sorbian community language practices
17. Final assessment
Type of course
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge
Students will be able to:
- identify and characterize on an advanced level the place and status of minority languages within linguistics, K_W01
- describe on an advanced level the current trends in linguistic research on minority languages, K_W02
Abilities
Students will be able to:
apply advanced terminology and notions pertinent to minority languages, K_U01
apply knowledge obtained during the course of studies to account for and solve a problem, thereby completing a research task related to minority languages, K_U03
analyze linguistic, literary and cultural phenomena and draw generalizations on their basis in the context of societal, historical and economic factors on an advanced level, K_U04
discern alternative methodological paradigms within minority languages, K_U05
participate in group projects, collaborate with others and be a team leader in conducting collaborative research, presentations and other tasks included in the curriculum, K_U08
present knowledge in a coherent, precise and linguistically correct manner in English on level C2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, ensuring an appropriate register and form, K_U09
Social competences
Students will be ready to:
apply knowledge and skills obtained during the course of studies to undertake lifelong learning, as well as personal and professional development, K_K02
take responsibility for performing one’s professional duties, with due respect for the work of others, obey and develop the ethical norms in professional and academic settings related to the disciplines included on the curriculum of English studies, K_K03
assess critically one’s own knowledge and skills related to minority languages, K_K04
Assessment criteria
- attendance
- participation in discussions
- presentations
Two absences are allowed.
Active participation and tasks: 20%
One mid-term assignment (presentation): 30%
Final quiz: 50%
Bibliography
Primary sources:
European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice 2019. The Teaching of Regional or Minority Languages in Schools in Europe. Publications Office of the European Union.
European Commission/EACEA/Eurydice 2020. Good Practices of Multilingual and Minority Language Medium Education. Council of Europe Publishing.
Broshy, C., Climent-Ferrando, V., Oszmiańska-Pagett, A. & F. Ramallo 2019. European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Council of Europe.
Pasikowska-Schnass, M. 2016. Regional and minority languages in the EU. European Parliamentary Research Service.
Prys Jones, M. 2013. Endangered Languages and Linguistic Diversity in the EU. Directorate General for Internal Policies.
Additional sources:
Various articles from leading journals, e.g., Current Issues in Language Planning; Language, Culture and Curriculum; The Language Learning Journal; Journal of Multilingual and Multicultural Development.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: