Securing the Future for Manx
A Manx Language Development Programme
Jannoo Shickyr Traa ry-heet y Ghaelg
Co-chlare Lhiasee son y Ghaelg
Manx National Heritage and
the Manx Heritage Foundation
Undinys Eiraght Vannin as
Eiraght Ashoonagh Vannin
Preface
The past decade saw many new initiatives for Manx from Government and voluntary organisations, as well as growing public support for the Manx language. This language programme recognises the considerable development brought about by these initiatives and endeavours to address all the main issues effecting the future of the Manx language.
This Manx Language Development Programme was commissioned by the Manx Heritage Foundation and Manx National Heritage, in April 1998, to provide a comprehensive development plan for the future of the Manx language. It was felt that an integrative language development strategy covering all aspects of the Manx language for Government, business and the voluntary sector, would provide an essential tool for developing policy and securing the future of Manx.
By identifying a series of clear targets for the language over the next three years, the programme provides for the survival of Manx as a strong and vibrant language so ensuring the continuation of a strong Manx culture and identity for the future.
In presenting this programme to the Manx Heritage Foundation and Manx National Heritage I would ask that both organisations give it serious consideration. If the commissioning bodies agree, I would also ask that a strategy be developed to allow full implementation of this Manx Language Development Programme.
Philip Gawne December, 2000.
Yn Greinneyder,
Manx National Heritage and
the Manx Heritage Foundation.
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Executive Summary
0.1 This language programme is based on the declaration of Tynwald that the preservation and promotion of the Manx language must be an objective of the Isle of Man Government. It draws on the growing public support for the language and the increasing demand for Manx language services. The adoption of the strategy detailed in this programme will help to build a strong and vibrant Manx language as well as ensuring the survival of a strong Manx culture and identity for the future.
0.2 The sharp decline in Manx over the past 150 years has only recently been arrested, thanks to the hard work of a few dedicated supporters and, during the 1990’s, increasing support from Government. However, despite growing demand for Manx Gaelic services and increasing public support for its greater use (a good measure of support is shown by 36% of respondents to the 1990 Gallup survey being in favour of Manx being taught in schools), Manx Gaelic remains precariously positioned on the edge of extinction, supported primarily by a handful of hard working enthusiasts.
0.3 While we can all take pride in the recent successes in the work of promoting Manx Gaelic, we must remain aware that there is no assurance that Manx will survive with-out the continued and purposeful effort of all who have an interest in its future.
0.4 This language development programme provides a vehicle for the implementation of the recommendations made in the Report of the Select Committee on the Greater Use of Manx Gaelic which was approved by Tynwald on 10th July 1985. It also addresses the Manx language developments which have arisen since 1985.
0.5 In essence the targets set in this programme, if achieved, will ensure that adequate provision is available to support the current public demand for Manx language services, as well as providing the minimum support necessary to ensure an ample supply of competent, fluent speakers of Manx in the long term future.
0.6 The targets described in this programme broadly address the most important aspects of the future development of Manx Gaelic. They recognise that the most productive language developments tend to come from the grass roots level and so favour the support of existing voluntary organisations through increased funding and marketing the value of Manx Gaelic to all areas of Manx life.
(ii)
0.7 This programme also recognises that if the language is to have a relevance and vibrancy in the future, it must be taught to children from a very early age. Effective language teaching to primary and preschool children is best achieved through the medium of the target language (in our case Manx Gaelic). The establishment of a Manx primary unit where children are taught through Manx, together with increased secure funding of Manx preschool education are, therefore, the most essential areas for development identified in this programme.
0.8 The next most significant development issue described in this language programme is the clear need for an increase in funding for Manx Gaelic, to address the growing demands for language services. It is clear that at this stage there is no need to establish major new language organisations (Government or voluntary). It is also clear that there is a need for one key Government support agency to take on the responsibility for funding and overseeing the development and implementation of policy for the Manx language.
0.9 There are of course many social, political and cultural benefits which will accrue from this programme if implemented. The international reputation of the Isle of Man Government will be enhanced by its support of its indigenous language; the development and expansion in use of the Manx language will help to secure a strong Manx identity and culture; and widespread use of Manx in all sectors will help to build social cohesion. It is important to recognise the many benefits which this programme will deliver when considering its annual funding requirements.
0.10 The costs per annum of full implementation of this programme up to 31.3.2004, together with the expenditure for this year (not including costs of DoE Manx language programme), are given in the table below:
Year end 31.3.01 31.3.02 31.3.03 31.3.04
Agency
DoE £ 4,000 £65,000 £70,000 £80,000
DoE/MHF - £74,000 £88,500 £97,000
MHF £37,100 £24,250 £25,250 £21,250
MNH £ 3,000 £21,000 £26,000 £24,000
Total £ 44,100 £184,250 £209,750 £222,250
Full implementation of the programme would also lead to the creation of 7.3 full time equivalent language posts - 6.1 in teaching and education and 1.2 in language development.
(iii)
Key Targets
TARGET 2 - to support the development and expansion of Manx preschool groups, ensuring the highest standards of language transmission are obtained:
1. by September 2001
DoE/MHF to establish a secure funding source for all groups which provide a Manx preschool educational service.
TARGET 3 - to ensure that parental demand for Manx medium primary education is met:
1. by September 2001
DoE to establish a Manx medium primary unit in a central location;
3. by September 2002
DoE/MHF to develop and set up a ‘one year to fluency’ immersion course for teachers, nursery nurses and all adult learners.
TARGET 12 - to provide a secure status for the language, ensuring that this status is adequately maintained:
1. by March 2001
An official Government advisory body for language planning and policy for Manx Gaelic, which would also adopt the role of main funding organisation, should be identified. Potential agencies would be DoE or MHF.
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1. Introduction
1.1 This programme provides a vehicle for the implementation of the recommendations made in the Report of the Select Committee on the Greater Use of Manx Gaelic which was approved by Tynwald on 10th July 1985. The 1985 Report represented Government’s first significant attempt at planning for the future of Manx, however, with only a few notable exceptions, the majority of the 1985 Report’s recommendations remain unimplemented.
1.2 The enactment of the 1985 Report’s recommendations forms the basis of a sizable part of this language development programme, however, it has also been necessary to take into account the considerable developments in language support which have occurred over the past 15 years.
1.3 The programme reflects a wide consultation with the public, private and voluntary sectors in the Isle of Man and a comprehensive review of language planning strategies adopted by other minority language regions.
1.4 The hugely significant introduction of Manx into the schools in 1992 by the Department of Education and the subsequent Report to Tynwald by the Department on the ‘Future Development of the Manx Language’ in 1996, together with the establishment and growth of Mooinjer Veggey (the Manx Preschool Organisation) and the funding of a part time language development post by the Manx Heritage Foundation and Manx National Heritage, provide a number of new areas for language development which have been addressed by this programme.
1.5 The strategies described in this Manx Language Development Programme also ensure that the Isle of Man complies with the best practice described in European and other international legislation on language and culture.
1.6 In essence the targets set in this programme, if achieved, will ensure that adequate provision is available to support the current public demand for Manx language services, as well as providing the minimum support necessary to ensure an ample supply of competent, fluent speakers of Manx in the long term future.
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2. Background
2.1 Current Position of Manx in Relation to Other Minority Languages
2.1.1 Bilingualism is a natural phenomenon for the majority of the world’s population. It is estimated that about 60 - 65% of people globally use at least two languages in their every day lives. In the British Isles bilingualism is less common though there are large numbers of Welsh, Irish and Scottish Gaelic speakers (and smaller numbers of Cornish and Manx speakers) who use their native tongue alongside English. In the European Union around 50 million people regularly use languages that are not the official language of their country.
2.1.2 There is now a general acceptance in many minority language areas that bilingualism is beneficial for individuals and their communities. Bilingual individuals have wider communication opportunities and abilities, they have two windows through which to look at the world by being bicultural, they have access to two literacies and raised self esteem, enabling them to get a more secure sense of identity and growing employment opportunities. Bilingual communities have continuity with the past, cohesiveness for the present and a sense of collaborative endeavour for building the future.
2.1.3 The Isle of Man might be described as a bilingual country in that Manx has an important ceremonial and cultural role, though English is undoubtedly the language which the overwhelming majority of the population use exclusively. In the 1990 Gallup ‘Quality of Life’ survey 58% of respondents knew some Manx with 3% claiming to speak the language poorly. The 1991 census showed 740 people, approximately 1% of the population, claiming fluency in Manx.
2.1.4 Most of the world’s 6000 or so languages have an uncertain future with the majority predicted to become moribund during the 21st century. The only way which Manx can avoid this bleak projection is with well focused language planning fully supported by Government.
2.1.5 The sharp decline in Manx over the past 150 years has only recently been arrested, thanks to the hard work of a few dedicated supporters and, during the 1990’s, increasing support from Government. However, despite growing demand for Manx Gaelic services and increasing public support for its greater use (a good measure of support is shown by 36% of respondents to the 1990 Gallup survey being in favour of Manx being taught in schools), Manx Gaelic remains precariously positioned on the edge of extinction, supported primarily by a handful of hard working enthusiasts.
2.1.6 While we can all take pride in the recent successes in the work of promoting Manx Gaelic, we must remain aware that there is no assurance that Manx will survive with out the continued and purposeful effort of all who have an interest in its future. We can learn from experiences of minority languages throughout the world where languages are dying or predicted to die because of economic and industrial development, population shift and social and cultural change driven by mass media and global communication.
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2.1.7 There are, however, two simple and primary reasons why languages die, both of which are important for the future of Manx Gaelic. Firstly, languages die when minority language speaking parents choose to speak the majority language to their children. Without minority language transmission at family level there is little hope for future generations of minority language speakers. Secondly, minority languages die when education is through the majority language. When minority language production does not occur at school there can be little expectation that the minority language will survive.
2.1.8 A Comparison of Manx with Irish, Scottish Gaelic and Welsh
Irish (Rep.) Irish (north) Scots Gaelic Manx Welsh
No. Speakers 1,430,000 142,000 69,510 743 Over 500,000
% population 43.5% - 1.4% 1.1% 19%
Official Status Bilingual None Limited Limited Bilingual
Statutory Gov. Language Language Advisory None Language
Lang. Agency Board Board Body Board
Gov. Preschool Extensive Limited Extensive Limited Extensive
Support
Gov. Primary Irish Irish Gaelic 1/2 day Welsh
Support Medium Medium Medium Manx Medium
Extensive Limited Extensive Medium Extensive
Gov. Support Available Available Available Optional Available
as Subject in all in some in some in all in all
Schools Schools Schools Schools Schools
Teacher Training Extensive Limited Limited None Limited
Immersion Available Available Available None Available
Course
Television 94 hrs/wk 3.5 hrs/yr 60 hrs/wk None 60 hrs/wk
Radio 100 hrs/wk 3 hrs/wk 45 hrs/wk 2.5 hrs/wk 100 hrs/wk
bilingual
Note: Manx receives more support than Cornish and is just ahead of Jersey and Guernsey French in the support it receives.
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2.2 Current Language Support Agencies
Government Agencies
2.2.1 The Department of Education (DoE) provides the most support for Manx primarily through its language teaching programme which was established in 1992. It employs one full time Manx Language Officer and three full time teachers, who teach around 1,000 children 30 minutes of Manx each week. DoE introduced a GCSE equivalent in Manx in 1997, it runs a half day a week language session through Manx (established in 1996) and recently supported the production of a CD-rom in Manx.
2.2.2 The Manx Heritage Foundation (MHF) provides considerable financial support to a wide range of Manx language projects, groups and individuals - over £35,000 this year. These projects include 25% funding for Mooinjer Veggey, the Manx Gaelic writers’ fund and support of Yn Greinneyder’s post (see below).
Coonceil ny Gaelgey, the Manx Gaelic Advisory Council, was set up in December, 1985, as a sub-committee of MHF. Its duties include the provision of authoritative Manx versions of the titles of government departments, street names etc.. and the creation of new words and phrases in Manx Gaelic.
2.2.3 Manx National Heritage (MNH) has provided research grants for study of original Manx Place-Names, the use of Anglo-Manx dialect and for a number of publications. MNH preserves a rich archive of original sound recordings and photographs of the last of the native speakers which are available for consultation by researchers and modern speakers. MNH specifically employs a number of fluent Manx speakers on its staff, operates as an important part of Coonceil ny Gaelgey and supports the post of Yn Greinneyder (see below).
MNH provides the venue for the Manx language summer school and the annual Ned Maddrell Memorial Lecture, in addition to providing facilities and subsidies for many Manx language promotional events. MNH uses the language in its presentations at a number of its museum sites. Indeed, other than the brief greeting provided to passengers on Manx Airlines flights, MNH provides the only place where Manx speech is guaranteed to be heard by the general public on a daily basis
2.2.4 Yn Greinneyder - this part-time Manx Language Development post is currently jointly funded by Manx National Heritage and the Manx Heritage Foundation with support from the Gough Ritchie Trust. Yn Greinneyder has had a considerable influence on almost all areas of language development since the post was established in April, 1998.
2.2.5 The Gaelic Broadcasting Committee (GBC) was established following an amendment to the Broadcasting Act and since its formation has been very effective in bringing more Manx Gaelic broadcasts to Manx Radio. It has an annual budget of around £8,000 which is primarily spent on radio programmes.
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Voluntary Organisations
2.2.6 Mooinjer Veggey (MV) the Manx preschool organisation employs 10 part time staff at 4 groups where it offers preschool education through Manx to around 60 children. In its last financial year it received 35% of its funding from Government, however, with the introduction of a preschool training and support project which MHF has agreed to fund to a maximum of £22,000, MV expects to receive around 60% funding from Government this year.
2.2.7 Sheshaght ny Paarantyn (SnyP) was formed in November, 1999, by a group of parents who wish their children to be educated through the Manx language. SnyP submitted a document to DoE in April 2000 in which it outlined the case for a Manx Primary Unit, and meets regularly with parents and DoE to further its goal.
2.2.8 Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (YCG) has been supporting the Manx language for over 100 years. In recent years it has become considerably more proactive in its promotion of Manx, establishing the language festival (Feailley Ghaelgagh) and a quarterly Manx language magazine, and continues to publish Manx books and organise church services in Manx.
2.2.9 Caarjyn ny Gaelgey (CnyG) runs extensive Manx lessons for adult learners at its ‘Manx House’ in St Johns. It also raises money for the language as well as organising a series of events for Manx speakers each year.
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2.3 International Language Developments
2.3.1 The European Union has over 40 minority languages and its 50 million minority language speakers are represented by the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages (EBLUL). EBLUL aims to provide legal, political and financial support for minority languages, as well as ensuring cooperation and exchange of information between minority language communities.
Minority language organisations in the UK and Ireland receive substantial financial and structural support from EBLUL. As the Isle of Man is not a member of the EU, Manx fails to receive significant support from EBLUL. Since 1992, however, the Isle of Man has been granted observer status at meetings of the UK committee of EBLUL.
2.3.2 The European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages exists to help preserve regional and minority languages which are currently a threatened element of Europe’s cultural heritage, protecting them from discrimination. The Charter lays down general objectives and principles upon which parties are required to base their legislation in respect of minority languages within their territories. These general principles are developed into practical measures which parties must undertake to implement. Each contracting state may choose to implement a minimum of 35 of these measures.
The UK Government has ratified the Charter and its provisions may now be extended to the Isle of Man should the Manx Government wish it. While such an extension would require little if any significant change in current language policy, the Charter would ensure a legally protected minimum level of provision.
2.3.3 Links between the minority linguistic communities of the Celtic countries of the British Isles have been growing in recent years. Various cultural and linguistic organisations from Scotland, Ireland and Wales are joining forces to create more powerful and influential lobbying and development agencies.
The British Irish Council, which has been established following the Northern Ireland peace agreement, is likely to offer substantial support for cultural and linguistic projects in the future. This may well provide the opportunity for the Manx language to acquire some of the support which it currently loses by not being within the European Union.
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3. The Future of the Manx Language
3.1 In drawing up this language development programme I have engaged in the four recognised types of language planning that are needed for language survival:
* planning for language learning,
* planning for language use,
* status planning, and
* corpus planning.
3.2 In the field of minority languages generally, it is important to recognise that there are no fail-safe remedies and no guaranteed solutions. If a minority language is to survive in the world, there has to be permanent endeavour. There is a need to:
* market the language continuously and repetitively,
* commence new initiatives,
* set new targets,
* monitor the state and spread of the language,
* evaluate interventions, and
* constantly try to raise the language’s status.
3.3 Overcoming the tendency for decline presents a considerable challenge and it would be unrealistic in the coming decades to expect more than a modest Manx language revival. Although there has been a steady growth in the number of Manx speakers over the past 40 years, there needs to be a greater emphasis on encouraging more speakers to become highly competent in the language.
3.4 As the Manx Government increasingly asserts its sovereignty, new projects and initiatives, new targets and priorities are needed for Manx to flourish, revive and avoid world-wide trends in the demise of linguistic and cultural diversity. Therefore, this programme now outlines where new initiatives and targets are needed for each of the four language planning areas. These initiatives reflect a full and wide consultation with Manx language organisations and supporters, Government, business and minority language organisations, following closely the language development strategies of Scotland and Wales.
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4. Language Planning
4.1 Language Learning
There are three components to planning language learning:
1. Language transmission in the family and preschool
2. Manx medium education and
3. Manx cultural and linguistic studies in schools and for adults.
4.1.1 Language transmission in the family and preschool
Manx Gaelic must have more fluent Manx speakers if it is to have a secure future. For any minority language to survive, it must be transmitted from adult speakers to young children. Preschool children are particularly receptive to language learning and readily adapt to speaking two or more languages at this early age. This ability to absorb language quickly tails off when children reach 8 years old making the acquisition and use of another language significantly harder for the older child who speaks just one language.
TARGET 1 - to provide information, advice, guidance and support to new parents on the advantages of early bilingualism:
1. by December 2001
Yn Greinneyder to ensure that materials supporting the use of Manx in the home and at preschool groups are produced and distributed to parents through the IOM hospital maternity wing, to all Manx speakers and learners and to all relevant health visitors and midwives.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
1 (1) MHF - £5,000 £2,000 £500
TARGET 2 - to support the development and expansion of Manx preschool groups, ensuring the highest standards of language transmission are obtained:
1. by September 2001
DoE/MHF to establish a secure funding source for all groups which provide a Manx preschool educational service.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
2 (1) DoE/MHF (£22,000) £35,000 £40,000 £45,000
Passing on the language at this early stage of a child’s development ensures a level of competence and understanding that only a few adult learners can achieve. These targets if achieved would have a major impact on the survival of Manx.
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4.1.2 Manx medium education
Unlike its less autonomous Celtic neighbours (Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland) the Isle of Man does not currently provide significant education for its children through its native language. The level of parental demand for a unit where children are educated through the medium of Manx is now considerably higher than the level at which similar units were first established in Scotland. It is important to remember that minority languages tend to die when education is exclusively through the majority language.
TARGET 3 - to ensure that parental demand for Manx medium primary education is met:
1. by September 2001
DoE to establish a Manx medium primary unit in a central location;
2. by September 2001
DoE/MHF to provide educational and financial support to parents during the initial period of establishing the Manx medium primary unit;
3. by September 2002
DoE/MHF to develop and set up a ‘one year to fluency’ immersion course for teachers, nursery nurses and all adult learners.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
3 (1) DoE - £65,000 £55,000 £55,000
3 (2) DoE/MHF (£500) £4,000 £6,000 £2,000
3 (3) DoE/MHF £2,100 £4,000 £4,500 £5,000
Successful introduction of Manx medium education into the Isle of Man is the single most important step which can be taken to ensure the future of the Manx language.
4.1.3 Schools Manx Language Programme
The current DoE Manx language programme, while unlikely to lead directly to fluent Manx speakers does have a very important role in raising awareness, knowledge and understanding of Manx Gaelic. The current programme, however, does not meet parental demand as there is insufficient staffing and funding.
TARGET 4 - to ensure that opportunities exist to raise children’s awareness, knowledge and general understanding of Manx as widely as possible throughout the school system:
1. by September 2002
DoE to establish the teaching of Manx in schools as a much higher priority for the DoE and include Manx in the new Education Bill;
2. by September 2003
DoE to ensure that adequate levels of staffing are provided for the Manx language programme thus allowing all children from 7 - 18, whose parents wish it, the opportunity to attend Manx classes.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
4 (2) DoE - - £15,000 £25,000
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4.1.4 Manx cultural and linguistic studies in schools
To ensure that people with no Manx are attracted to the language, it is important that easily accessible courses are available, which are interesting and relevant to their everyday lives. It is equally important that children learn about their cultural and linguistic heritage so that they will not only have a better understanding of their island, but will also be more likely to be sympathetic to the Manx language.
TARGET 5 - to support the expansion of linguistic and cultural studies for children in Manx schools:
1. by September 2003
introduce foundation courses in Manx studies as approved by Tynwald through the Report of the Select Committee on the Greater Use of Manx Gaelic approved by Tynwald on 10th July 1985 (here after referred to as ‘Report 1985’) paragraph 7.3 (b).
By raising public awareness of language and culture, future linguistic and cultural projects are likely to be met with greater public support.
4.1.5 Adult learners
About 100 adults attempt to learn Manx in an average year. The success rate for adult learners in all language learning situations is generally low and Manx is no exception in this, with no more than 5% of learners going on to fluency each year. Adult learners will, however, continue to provide the main source of Manx language teachers, preschool workers, writers and broadcasters for many years to come, so it is important that the standard, range and availability of Manx language courses is high and that appropriate resources are readily available.
TARGET 6 - to increase the success rate of adult learners by raising the standard and quality of provision at this level:
1. by March 2002
Yn Greinneyder to ensure that teacher training courses are available for all adult language teachers and that teachers are aware of these courses and their potential benefits;
2. by September 2003
DoE/MHF and Yn Greinneyder to establish a centrally based national resource centre for material for all learners;
3. by September 2003
MNH and Yn Greinneyder to produce and implement a strategy for the use of Cregneash as a centre for cultural and linguistic learning.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
6 (1) MHF - £2,000 £2,500 £2,500
6 (2) DoE/MHF - £5,000 £10,000 £10,000
6 (3) MNH - £5,000 £8,000 £12,000
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4.2 Language Use
Planning the use of Manx needs to occur in two major areas:
1. the economic use of Manx and
2. the use of Manx in social and cultural integration
Economic Use of Manx
Promotion and Cultural tourism
4.2.1 There have to be convincing reasons for parents to bring up their children in Manx, and persuasive motivations for adults and children to become Manx speakers. It is important to demonstrate that the Manx language has an economic and employment value which is likely to expand in the future, if more people, particularly parents and children, are to be attracted to learn the language.
The use of minority languages and cultures in marketing tourist destinations is widely recognised and there is a growing market for more specialised cultural tourism packages. Throughout Scotland, Wales and Ireland heritage centres are exploiting their national cultures and specific cultural centres are attracting tourists who wish to learn the language, music, history and folklore of the region.
TARGET 7 - to develop and expand the use of Manx in the public, private and voluntary sectors:
1. by March 2003
MHF and Yn Greinneyder to have developed, produced and widely distributed marketing materials to increase the profile of Manx in business and Government and for individuals, targeting particular materials for specific areas e.g tourism;
2. by March 2004
Government to have in place in all departments, trained employees with responsibility for ensuring that their department strives to make greater use of Manx Gaelic.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
7 (1) MHF ( £500) £2,000 £5,000 £2,000
7 (2) MHF - £1,000 £2,000 £4,000
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Manx National Heritage (MNH)
4.2.2 Of all the major organisations and Government agencies in the Isle of Man, MNH has the highest profile in terms of its support for the culture and traditions of the Isle of Man. It is very important, therefore, that the Manx population, in particular children, see and hear the Manx language being used and valued by MNH.
TARGET 8 - to expand the use of Manx in all aspects of MNH’s work:
1. by March 2002
MNH to have developed and implemented a policy for increasing the use of Manx and raising the profile of the language in all aspects of its work.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
8 (1) MNH ( £3,000) £10,000 £12,000 £12,000
In achieving this target MNH will give a clear signal to Government, business and the general public that the use of Manx is valuable in terms of marketing and creating corporate identity and that the language is highly valued as our most unique cultural asset.
Broadcasting and media
4.2.3 Manx fares poorly when compared with the major Celtic languages in terms of broadcasting and media coverage, and is only slightly ahead of Cornish. The establishment of the Gaelic Broadcasting Committee (GBC) as a result of the Broadcasting Act 1993 has provided a significant advance in this area, however, there remains a lamentable lack of TV, video, and film production in Manx.
There have been occasional columns in the Manx newspapers for many years, though recently a regular fortnightly column and weekly Manx lesson have been established. There is only a very small number of new books or publications in Manx released each year.
TARGET 9 - to provide a vehicle for the promotion and development of TV, film, video and internet broadcasting in Manx:
1. by March 2003
Government to have extended the remit of the GBC to cover TV, film and video in Manx by an amendment to the Manx Broadcasting Act;
2. by March 2004
MHF and GBC to have produced a development strategy for Manx language broadcasting and publication in all currently available media.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
9 (2) MHF - - £1,500 £1,000
One of the greatest boosts to Gaelic in Scotland has been the rapid expansion of Gaelic broadcasting and media. Fulfilment of Target 9 will help lay the foundations for the development of a Manx language media industry, providing a valuable incentive to Manx children to learn and use Manx.
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Bilingual road signs
4.2.4 There is no more visible way to increase the use Manx than to erect Manx and/or bilingual road signs. All the Celtic countries of the British Isles, including Cornwall, have bilingual or Celtic language only road signs.
TARGET 10 - to provide highly visible use of the Manx language:
1. by March 2004
all Government departments to ensure that all new and replacement signs erected by Government follow the recommendation in the ‘Report 1985’ para. 7.3 (g) which recommends that all street name signs, village and town boundary signs are bilingual except where the traditional Manx name is the accepted form, and encourage local authorities to follow this recommendation.
Use of Manx in social and cultural integration
4.2.5 The economic and employment value of the Manx language will become increasingly an important motivation for learning Manx, however, there is a danger that this amounts to ‘doing the right thing for the wrong reason.’ It is important, therefore, that more longer-term, deep-seated motivations are promoted to ensure the future survival of Manx.
Manx now has new realms of usage, for example in the Manx preschool groups, at traditional music sessions and Manx speaking nights in pubs. It is an important aspect in its development that Manx captures as many new domains of language use as possible.
Usually the most easily accessible route to Manx for non speakers is through Manx culture, particularly music, song, dance, dialect poetry and folklore. It is important that these areas retain their strong affinity with the language and that Manx is seen to be an important aspect of their development and promotion.
TARGET 11 - to extend and develop community based language activity:
1. by March 2002
MHF to have produced and distributed marketing materials to raise awareness of the potential use of Manx language and culture in projects and community based events;
2. by March 2003
Yn Greinneyder working with voluntary organisations to have developed and implemented a comprehensive programme of events for speakers and learners.
3. by March 2003
MHF to encourage use of Manx in all projects it funds.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
11 (1) MHF - £3,500 £2,000 £1,500
11 (2) MHF ( £1,500) £2,000 £2,500 £3,000
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4.3 Language Status
Every aspect of Manx language use is important to the status of the language - this holds for every event and occasion on which Manx is used by institutions and individuals. The factors which confer status on Manx are many and complex, and span the whole range of language use, from the use of Manx in Tynwald to Manx adverts on the radio.
Parents are influenced by a variety of factors when deciding whether to raise their children in Manx or English, or whether they wish their children to attend Manx language lessons. The value which children attribute to the Manx language in education will be affected by such status factors. Similarly adult learners’ perceptions of language status will influence their commitment to learn and then go on to speak the language.
An argument can be made for preserving (and increasing) everything that affects the status of the Manx language. Such components of language status exist in delicate interactions and combinations and not as separate, isolatable influences. Remove a few bricks and the public may believe that the castle is beginning to crumble. Likewise the laying of a few highly visible well placed foundations can create confidence and anticipation of a secure and vibrant future.
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Secure Status
4.3.1 International language planning literature supports the view that the provision of key ‘status’ institutions and ensuring the language has a modern status (e.g. in Information Technology and media) are two essential criteria for judging the relative importance of different components that make up the status of the language. The status of Manx in Tynwald, comments about Manx from politicians and community leaders and the use of Manx by Government departments and local authorities can greatly influence the current and future status of the language.
The Report of the Select Committee on the Greater Use of Manx Gaelic approved by Tynwald in July 1985 (the ‘Report 1985) provided an excellent blueprint for meeting the two key criteria for language status mentioned above. It conferred an all but absent official relevance to the language which was a vital first step to building a recognised modern status for Manx.
The bulk of the recommendations of the ‘Report 1985’ remain unimplemented primarily because there is no key institution working for the development and promotion of Manx. It is important that an official funding and advisory agency for the language be established (as found in all the other autonomous Celtic countries), which would work with all relevant Government agencies and private and voluntary organisations to secure the future of Manx.
The joint MHF and MNH funded part-time post of Language Development Officer (Yn Greinneyder) has provided a useful vehicle for language development and promotion. If an effective language development service is to be provided in the future, it will need to have a paid officer working for it.
TARGET 12 - to provide a secure status for the language, ensuring that this status is adequately maintained:
1. by March 2001
An official Government advisory body for language planning and policy for Manx Gaelic, which would also adopt the role of main funding organisation, should be identified. Potential agencies would be DoE or MHF and to be effective such an agency should have at least one full-time equivalent language development post;
2. by March 2003
Yn Greinneyder and MHF to have produced and implemented a policy for increasing the use of Manx and raising the profile of the language in all aspects of MHF’s work;
3. by March 2004
Government to have implemented all recommendations of the ‘Report 1985’ and undertaken work to achieve those targets within this document considered appropriate.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
12 (1) DoE/MHF (£10,000) £26,000 £28,000 £35,000
12 (2) MHF - £500 £500 -
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To date Government’s language planning initiatives are generally ignored as there is no key organisation which exists primarily to ensure the implementation of language policy. Fulfilling the targets set out above will provide a key Government institution working for the language and will go a long way to ensuring Government compliance with the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages.
Raising the Status
4.3.2 The visible use of Manx in place and road names as outlined in 4.2.4 is an important step in encouraging greater public, private and voluntary sector use of Manx. However, this important language usage is only given status when significant Government agencies afford it official recognition.
In para. 6.3 of the ‘Report 1985’ the committee stated that it was “.. disappointed at the response of the Isle of Man Post Office Authority, and the apparent reluctance to deliver letters addressed in Manx.” Such reluctance belittles language use, however, the status of the language could be greatly enhanced if there was an official policy to recognise and deliver Manx addressed mail. A similarly straightforward measure which would considerably raise the status of Manx is the inclusion of some Manx on all stamps, coins and bank notes.
There is already extensive use of Manx on the internet, however, as internet technology is fast developing, it is important to ensure that the ground gained by Manx is not lost. If Manx is to have a living future it is important that it is associated with the latest technology, making it attractive to younger generations.
TARGET 13 - to implement practical measures to raise the status of the Manx language:
1. by March 2002
IOM Post Office Authority to adopt as official policy that all Manx Gaelic addressed mail to be delivered as quickly and efficiently as English addressed mail;
2. by March 2003
IOM Post Office Authority and IOM Treasury to have drawn up and implemented a strategy for the inclusion of some Manx Gaelic on all stamps, coins and bank notes;
3. by March 2004
Yn Greinneyder, MHF and other appropriate organisations to have developed a support structure for Manx language internet providers.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
13 (1) MHF - £500 - -
13 (3) MHF - £2,500 £2,000 £1,500
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International language planning
4.3.3 Which ever key status organisation takes on responsibility for the development and implementation of Manx language policy must regularly review international minority language treaties and legislation ensuring that the Isle of Man fulfils its obligations in this area.
The European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages, if extended to the Isle of Man, would require little if any change in the level of support given to Manx, would afford some protection to the facilities offered to Manx speakers and raise the status of the language, but most importantly would have a significant effect on building a progressive image for the Isle of Man internationally.
As the work of Yn Greinneyder has established, there is much to be learned from contacts with minority language organisations in the British Isles, Ireland and mainland Europe. It is equally important in demonstrating the progressive and responsible nature of the Isle of Man Government that Man is represented at international minority language conferences and that formal links with minority language groups are established.
TARGET 14 - to ensure language planning is effective and up to date by scrutinising and adopting international minority language initiatives and treaties:
1. by March 2002
IOM Government to have formally requested that the UK Government extends the provisions of the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages to the Isle of Man;
2. by March 2004
IOM Government to have formally established mutually cooperative links (through DoE, MHF or MNH) with other government minority language planning institutions in Europe or the British Isles.
Achieving the above targets provides a relatively inexpensive way of portraying a progressive and responsible international profile for the Isle of Man at the same time as significantly raising the status of the Manx language in the island.
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4.4 Corpus Planning
4.4.1 Corpus planning centres around two areas:
* the need for linguistic standardisation, and
* the need to develop a popular form of Manx which is readily used.
Coonceil ny Gaelgey (MHF sub-committee) is beginning to address the first need in its provision of new words and place names and its translation work. The work of Coonceil ny Gaelgey is not widely known, however, and its production of new terminology is at best sporadic.
TARGET 15 - to develop and standardise terminology and translation:
1. by March 2001
Coonceil ny Gaelgey to have developed and implemented a strategy for widespread promotion of its services;
2. by September 2002 and thereafter biannually
Coonceil ny Gaelgey to produce a specialised terminology dictionary to be widely available and free on the World Wide Web.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
15 (1) MHF £500 £1,000 £500 £500
15 (2) MHF - £250 £250 £250
4.4.2 All languages must be allowed to develop and change, evolve new terminology and forms of expression that reflect changes in culture, ideology, relationships and means of communication. A language that sticks rigidly to past usage becomes a moribund language. However, to maintain essential links with the past while moving forward, it is important that speakers and learners have easy access to recordings of native speakers and that authoritative language bodies work to ensure that good standards of Gaelic usage are maintained.
TARGET 16 - to provide a more Gaelic influence on the accent of spoken Manx and to ensure that good standards of Gaelic usage are maintained:
1. by March 2002
Manx National Heritage and Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh to devise strategies for widespread access to their archives of recorded Manx;
2. by September 2002
Manx National Heritage and/or Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh to release on tape or CD recordings of native Manx speech.
3. by September 2004
MHF to have expanded its Manx language writing fund which helps raise the standards of written Manx.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
16 (2) MNH - £6,000 £6,000 -
16 (3) MHF (£4,000) £4,000 £4,500 £4,500
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5.Funding and Monitoring the Programme
5.1 This language programme endeavours to bring up to date the support structures and organisation required to meet current demand for Manx language services as well as ensuring an ample supply of competent, fluent speakers of Manx in the long term future. The programme has outlined the significant Manx Language developments which have taken place over the past 15 years and describes the need for support services (particularly funding) to catch up with the ‘grass roots’ driven developments.
5.2 The targets in this programme are set either to meet current demand and/or to provide the minimum service required to deliver a sustainable future for Manx. It should be born in mind when considering the cost of this programme that many of the initiatives suggested will provide a good economic return in the medium to long term. In Scotland, for example, the economic output of the ‘Gaelic’ economy generally equals or exceeds Government input.
5.3 There are of course many social, political and cultural benefits which will accrue from this programme if implemented. The international reputation of the Isle of Man Government will be enhanced by its support of its indigenous language; the development and expansion in use of the Manx language will help to secure a strong Manx identity and culture; and widespread use of Manx in all sectors will help to build social cohesion. It is important to recognise the many benefits which this programme will deliver when considering its annual funding requirements.
5.4 Expenditure by agency - As can be seen from the table below, full implementation of the programme will require a sizable increase in funding. The following table shows the current spending on Manx on the areas specifically mentioned in this programme as well as predicted expenditure for the following three years. It does not include DoE current expenditure on its Manx teaching scheme, however, it does include predicted DoE expenditure on new projects mentioned in this programme including general expenditure on the teaching of Manx culture. It is important to note that after 6 years the cost of establishing the Manx primary unit will be significantly reduced (from £65,000 to around £10,000).
Agency 31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
DoE £ 4,000 £65,000 £70,000 £80,000
DoE/MHF - £74,000 £88,500 £97,000
MHF £37,100 £24,250 £25,250 £21,250
MNH £ 3,000 £21,000 £26,000 £24,000
Total £ 44,100 £184,250 £209,750 £222,250
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5.5 Effect on Employment - The programme if fully implemented will lead to 7.3 new full time equivalent jobs as outlined in the table below.
31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
Government - 2.90 4.00 4.70
Non-Government 3.45 5.00 5.20 6.05
Total 3.45 7.90 9.20 10.75
5.6 At the end of each financial year it is proposed to undertake an evaluation of progress towards meeting targets, to compile a progress report which will outline areas of success and under achievement and to provide a plan for implementation of the following year’s targets.
5.7 These annual reports will be discussed by DoE, MHF, MNH and other appropriate agencies and it is expected that these discussions will lead to new targets being set. It is essential that flexibility and evolution in target setting is agreed to ensure that this programme can be readily adapted to meet changing political, cultural and economic needs.
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6. Conclusion
9.1 This language programme is based on the declaration of Tynwald that the preservation and promotion of the Manx language must be an objective of the Isle of Man Government. It draws on growing public support for the language and the increasing demand for Manx language services.
9.2 It is generally agreed that cultural development and more particularly language revival works best from the ground up. Government imposed initiatives invariably fail to deliver in the area of greatest need. For this reason the targets set by this programme aim to respond to current grass roots developments and initiatives, offer support to voluntary organisations and attempt to promote general awareness of the potential value of the language.
9.3 It is important that an official Government funding and advisory agency for the language be identified, which will work with all relevant Government agencies and private and voluntary organisations to secure the future of Manx. Potential agencies would be DoE or MHF.
9.4 The adoption of the strategy detailed in this programme will help to build a strong and vibrant Manx language as well as ensuring the survival of a strong Manx culture and identity for the future.
Philip Gawne December 2000
Yn Greinneyder
Manx Language Development Officer,
Manx National Heritage and the Manx Heritage Foundation.
Acknowledgement
The structure of this language development programme is based very closely on a language strategy produced by the Welsh Language Board in October 1999. I am very grateful to Professor Colin Baker of the Welsh Language Board and the University of Wales for his help. I have also received valuable assistance from Comunn na Gàidhlig and CNSA in Scotland, and Bord na Gaeilge in Ireland in producing this programme.
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Reference Material
In writing this programme I have used a wide range of language planning documents, books and reports and have taken advice from experts in language planning from the British Isles, Ireland and mainland Europe. I am aware that opponents of further language development may wish to portray this development programme merely as a means of increasing support for the language organisations of which I am a member. I have, therefore, included below a list of the main reference material which I have used and which represents the most up to date thinking and best practice in language planning internationally.
1. Reversing Language Shift - Theoretical and Empirical Foundations of
Assistance to Threatened Languages by Joshua A. Fishman
published by Multilingual Matters, no. 76.
2. Foundations of Bilingual Education and Bilingualism
- 2nd Edition by Colin Baker
published by Multilingual Matters - ISBN 1-85359-357-5
3. A Parents’ and Teachers’ Guide to Bilingualism by Colin Baker
published by Multilingual Matters - ISBN 1-85359-265-X
4. Why Irish - Irish Identity and the Irish Language by Hilary Tovey,
Damian Hannan and Hal Abramson
published by Bord na Gaeilge, 1989.
5. Planning for the Irish Language - 1995 - 2000
produced by Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge, March 1995
6. Gaidhlig plc - A Development Plan for Gaelic
produced by Comunn na Gàidhlig, 1999.
7. A national policy for Gaelic education
produced by Comunn na Gàidhlig, April, 1997.
8. A Report on the Future of Welsh to the Welsh National Assembly
produced by the Welsh Language Board in October, 1999.
9. European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages
Council of Europe, European Treaty Series 148, 1992
10. Report of the Select Committee on the Greater Use of Manx Gaelic, 1985.
11. The Future Development of the Manx Language - A Report to Tynwald
by the Department of Education, December, 1995.
12. Survey of Manx Speakers and Learners - Preliminary findings
produced by Yn Greinneyder for MNH and MHF, December, 1999.
13. Case for Establishing a Gaelic-Medium Unit in the Isle of Man
by Parents for Gaelic-Medium Education (SnyP), April, 2000.
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Appendix 1 - ‘The Report 1985’
The following is taken from the Report of the Select Committee on the Greater Use of Manx Gaelic (Skeeal y Ving Reiht Mychione Jannoo Tooilley Ymmyd Jeh'n Ghaelg) referred to in this programme as the ‘Report 1985’. This report was approved by Tynwald on 10th July 1985.
The recommendations of the Report approved by Tynwald were as follows:
(a) Tynwald declares its intent that the preservation and promotion of the Manx Gaelic should be an objective of the Isle of Man Government.
(b) The Board of Education in conjunction with the Manx Heritage Foundation should provide foundation courses in Manx studies for all pupils in both primary and secondary schools with opportunities for further specific courses on a voluntary basis and to that end should also provide courses for teachers. We also recommend that an ‘O’ level course be created in Manx studies.
(c) Boards and Departments should use bi-lingual signs for offices, vehicles and on notepaper and should, wherever possible and practical, make greater use of the Manx Gaelic insofar as this can be done without increasing costs or reducing efficiency.
(d) The Ceremonial Oaths entered in the Liber Juramentorum should be capable of being taken in Manx Gaelic provided certain conditions are fulfilled and appropriate legislation introduced where necessary.
(e) The Manx Heritage Foundation should establish a voluntary Manx Language Advisory Commission.
(f) The use of bi-lingual documentation should not be discouraged provided such use does not deleteriously affect commercial activity or the expeditious administration of justice.
(g) Street name signs and village and town boundary signs should be bi-lingual except where the traditional Manx name is the accepted form.
Appendix 2 Summary of Programme Costs & Employment Implications
Target Agency 31.3.2001 31.3.2002 31.3.2003 31.3.2004
Learning
1 (1) MHF - 5,000 2,000 500
2 (1) DoE/MHF (22,000) [3.0] 35,000 [4.0] 40,000 [4.0] 45,000 [4.5]
3 (1) DoE - 65,000 [2.0] 55,000 [2.0] 55,000 [2.0]
3 (2) DoE/MHF (500) 4,000 6,000 2,000
3 (3) DoE/MHF (2,100) [0.15] 4,000 [0.3] 4,500 [0.33] 5,000 [0.33]
4 (1) - - - - -
4 (2) DoE - - 15,000 [0.5] 25,000 [1.0]
5 (1) - - - - -
6 (1) MHF - 2,000 [0.17] 2,500 [0.17] 2,500 [0.17]
6 (2) DoE/MHF - 5,000 [0.33] 10,000 [0.5] 10,000 [0.5]
6 (3) MNH - 5,000 [0.2] 8,000 [0.5] 12,000 [0.75]
Use
7 (1) MHF ( 500) 2,000 5,000 2,000
7 (2) MHF - 1,000 2,000 4,000
8 (1) MNH ( 3,000) [0.15] 10,000 [0.2] 12,000 [0.5] 12,000 [0.5]
9 (1) - - - - -
9 (2) MHF - - 1,500 1,000
10 (1) - - - - -
11 (1) MHF - 3,500 2,000 1,500
11 (2) MHF ( 1,500) 2,000 2,500 3,000
11 (3) - - - - -
Status
12 (1) DoE/MHF (10,000) [0.15] 26,000 [0.7] 28,000 [0.7] 35,000 [1.0]
12 (2) MHF - 500 500 -
12 (3) - - - - -
13 (1) MHF - 500 - -
13 (2) - - - - -
13 (3) MHF - 2,500 2,000 1,500
14(1) - - - - -
14(2) - - - - -
Corpus Planning
15 (1) MHF 500 1,000 500 500
15 (2) MHF - 250 250 250
16 (1) - - - - -
16 (2) MNH - 6,000 6,000 -
16 (3) MHF ( 4,000) 4,000 4,500 4,500
Total Cost £ 44,100 £184,250 £209,750 £222,250
Employment (full time equivalents) 3.45 7.90 9.20 10.75
Note: Brackets ( ) indicate figures already approved this year.
Employment
The programme if fully implemented will lead to 4.7 new Government jobs and 2.6 new non-Government jobs - 7.3 new full-time equivalent jobs in total. Of these 4.6 will be teaching jobs with a further 1.5 jobs in preschool education.
A further 1.2 full-time equivalent jobs will be created in language development adding to the 0.3 language development post which currently exists.
It is important to recognise that 2 of the new teaching jobs in Manx-medium teaching, will be teaching full-time classes equivalent in size to classes in the mainstream. These posts will consequently free up two teaching posts in mainstream primary education.