Norman languages of the Channel Islands: Current situation, language maintenance and revitalisation

Main author: Sallabank, Julia
Format: Journal Article           
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id eprints-13290
recordtype eprints
institution SOAS, University of London
collection SOAS Research Online
language English
language_search English
description The Channel Islands have been self-governing dependencies of the British Crown since 1204, but their geographical location, indigenous languages and older cultural traditions are much closer to Normandy (north-west France). However, acculturation to English language and customs has accelerated in the last 200 years, and is now pervasive. This paper examines the situation of the indigenous languages of the islands, which are now highly endangered: practically all native speakers are aged over 70. The island varieties of Norman have traditionally had low status, which contributed to their decline, but in recent years there have been attempts to raise their status and to raise awareness of their imminent disappearance; these attempts have borne fruit with a degree of support from the islands’ governments. The paper first describes some of the linguistic features of Channel Island Norman, and then discusses efforts to preserve this aspect of island culture. The outcomes of the various revitalisation measures are also considered.
format Journal Article
author Sallabank, Julia
author_facet Sallabank, Julia
authorStr Sallabank, Julia
author_letter Sallabank, Julia
title Norman languages of the Channel Islands: Current situation, language maintenance and revitalisation
publisher Division of Research, Southern Cross University, Australia
publishDate 2011
url https://eprints.soas.ac.uk/13290/