The Minister of the Interior signed the program to support the Frisian language

Against the backdrop of aggravated conflicts in a number of countries related to the oppression of the languages ​​of national minorities, the Netherlands is taking steps ahead of the curve. On April 25, 2022, Minister of the Interior Hanke Bruins Slot, during a working visit to Northwest Friesland, signed a program to support the Frisian language.

Frisian

Frisian is the native language of over 300 Frisians, predominantly residing in the province of Friesland in the Netherlands. This language is part of an original centuries-old culture. But despite the initiatives of representatives of the Frisian communities, its survival and development is under threat.

In recent years, the provincial administration has been encouraging and subsidizing the writing and publishing of literature in the Frisian language (novels and collections of poems, children's and scientific literature, magazines and textbooks), and has also promoted various language projects. In February 2016 Frisian was added to Google Translate. However, in addition to local initiatives, support from the state is important.

What does the Frisian language support program provide?

The new program was the result of the implementation of a proposal from the House of Representatives, which justified the importance of popularizing the Frisian language in Friesland. By the way, a broader program for the support of the Frisian language and culture for 2019-2023 is already in operation.

The new program provides:

• bilingual signs (in Dutch and Frisian) on government and public buildings in the province;
• installation of temporary road signs in Frisian on national roads in Friesland (in addition to signs in Dutch);
• increased use of the Frisian language in provincial government offices.

Preserving a second national language in the province of Friesland is very important. Minister Bruins Slot emphasized: “The language that is closest and most understandable to you is often the language of your heart and your life. For the vast majority of Frisians, it is the Frisian language. Thanks to this and other programs, the Frisian language will be given a more prominent place.”.