Transcript
Page 1: Ullans Leid Policy Ulster-Scots Policy · Ulster-Scots language contributes to the linguistic, cultural and historical heritage of this area. The 2011 Census indicates that 8,131

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil Mid Ulster District Council

Ullans Leid Policy Ulster-Scots Policy

www.midulstercouncil.org

Page 2: Ullans Leid Policy Ulster-Scots Policy · Ulster-Scots language contributes to the linguistic, cultural and historical heritage of this area. The 2011 Census indicates that 8,131

2 Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil Ullans Leid Policy

Page 3: Ullans Leid Policy Ulster-Scots Policy · Ulster-Scots language contributes to the linguistic, cultural and historical heritage of this area. The 2011 Census indicates that 8,131

Ullans Leid Policy Ulster-Scots Policy

Contents

Policy Aim and Objectives 4

Policy Aim 4

Policy Objectives 5

Policy Guiding Principles 5

Guiding Principle 1: Support for the Ulster-Scots Language 6

Guiding Principle 2: Publications 6

Guiding Principle 3: Publicity 7

Guiding Principle 4: Correspondence 7

Guiding Principle 5: Presentations / Public Speaking / Events 8

Guiding Principle 6: Staff and Administrative Practices 8

Guiding Principle 7: Visibility of Ulster-Scots 9

Appendix I – Guiding Principles Specific Measures for Implementation 10-11

Appendix II - Relevant Legislation and Guidance 12-14

Contents

Policy Aim an Objectives 4

Policy Aim 4

Policy Objectives 5

Policy Guidin Principles 5

Guidin Principle 1: Support fur tha Ullans Leid 6

Guidin Principle 2: Scrievens 6

Guidin Principle 3: Publicity 7

Guidin Principle 4: Correspondence 7

Guidin Principle 5: Presentations / Public Taakins / Daeins 8

Guidin Principle 6: Wurkers an Administrative Prectices 8

Guidin Principle 7: Sicht o Ullans 9

Appendix I – Guidin Principles Specific Misures fur Implymentin 10-11

Appendix II - Relevant Laa an Guidaunce 12-14

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Policy Aim an Objectives

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil kens that wae leeve in a multi-cultùrl an multi leid society an that Ullans leid contributes tae tha leid, cultùrl an hïstorical heirskip o thir airt. Tha 20an11 Goverment heid coont shows that 8,131 fowk (6.2 pairts tha hunnèr) oot o a airt population o 132,025 hae sim ken hoo o Ullans leid. In perteeclar 1,056 (0.8 pairts tha hunnèr) fowk cud taak, read, scrieve an unnèrstan Ullans leid.

As such tha Cooncil kens that tha proactive promotion o Ullans leid, as weel as caterin fur tha needs o its growin Ullans taakin fowk, can enhance tha rich leid nature o tha airt an add tae tha appeal o tha airt as a tourist plaice. Thir policy wull facilitate an encourage tha uise o Ullans leid in taak an scrieven, in hame an wurk life.

Policy Aim

Operatin waein tha spirit o tha Euraip Chairtèr fur Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids, an haein due regard tae tha status afforded tae Ullans waein that Chairtèr, Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil aims tae tak positive hannlin tae promote tha uise o Ullans leid in tha Airt an waein tha Cooncil.

Meeting Part II Article 7 Requirements

Tha Euraip Chairtèr fur Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids (Pairt 2 – effect tha Airish Leid an Ullans), waein tha airts in whutch such leids ir uised an accordin tae tha situation o baith leid, needs Parties tae base their policies oan:

• Tha need fur resolute hannlin tae promote Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids in order tae protect thaim; an

• Facilitation an/or encouragement o tha uise of Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids in taakin an scrievin in hame an wurk life.

Pairt II o tha Chairtèr highlichts tha need tae base policies, laa an practice oan tha principles o recognisin, promotin an encouragin tha uise o Ullans tae preserve an protect tha leid. Pairt II o tha Chairtèr plaices tha burdin oan tha Cooncil tae mak better tha uise o tha Ullans leid in taakin an scrievin in hame an wurk life.

Policy Aim and Objectives

Mid Ulster District Council recognises that we live in a multi-cultural and multi lingual society and that Ulster-Scots language contributes to the linguistic, cultural and historical heritage of this area. The 2011 Census indicates that 8,131 people (6.2%) out of a district population of 132,025 have some knowledge of Ulster-Scots language. In particular 1,056 (0.8%) people could speak, read, write and understand Ulster-Scots language.

As such the Council recognises that the proactive promotion of Ulster-Scots language, as well as catering for the needs of its growing Ulster-Scots speaking population, can enhance the rich linguistic nature of the area and add to the appeal of the area as a tourist destination. This policy will facilitate and encourage the use of Ulster-Scots language in speech and writing, in private and public life.

Policy AimOperating within the spirit of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and having due regard to the status afforded to Ulster-Scots within that Charter, Mid Ulster District Council aims to take positive action to promote the use of Ulster-Scots language in the District and within the Council.

Meeting Part II Article 7 Requirements

The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (Part 2 – applies to Irish Language and Ulster Scots), within the territories in which such languages are used and according to the situation of each language, requires Parties to base their policies on:

• The need for resolute action to promote regional or minority languages in order to safeguard them; and

• Facilitation and/or encouragement of the use of regional or minority languages in speech and writing in private and public life.

Part II of the Charter highlights the need to base policies, legislation and practice on the principles of recognising, promoting and encouraging the use of Ulster-Scots to preserve and safeguard the language. Part II of the Charter places the onus on the Council to proactively encourage the use of the Ulster-Scots language in speech and writing in private and public life.

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Policy Objectives

• To facilitate and encourage the use of Ulster- Scots language in both speech and writing within the District and Council;

• To promote a range of initiatives that will reduce intolerance and promote understanding of Ulster-Scots language across the District and within the Council; and

• To recognise and celebrate Ulster-Scots language within the broader context of linguistic diversity across the District and Council; and

• To maintain and develop links between groups using Ulster-Scots language, with other groups using Ulster-Scots language and/or Irish language.

Policy Guiding Principles

The Mid Ulster District Council Ulster-Scots Language Policy is based on the requirements of Part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The policy presents a number of guiding principles from which the Council will implement a range of positive actions to promote, enhance and protect the Ulster-Scots language whilst encouraging its use in speech and writing in private and public life. Specific measures for implementation relating to each guiding principle are included in Appendix I. The practical actions to be undertaken by the Council have been shaped with the Fishman Model for reversing language shift in mind as adopted by the Ulster Scots Agency.

Policy Objectives

• Tae facilitate an encourage tha uise o Ullans leid in baith speech an scrienin waein tha Airt an Cooncil;

• Tae dae a range o initiatives that wull raeduce intolerance an promote unnèrstannin o

• Ullans leid across tha Airt an waein tha Cooncil; an

• Tae hae an celebrate Ullans leid waein tha broader context o leid diversity aroon tha Airt an Cooncil; an

• Tae maintain an develop links atween fowks usin Ullans leid, wae ither fowks usin Ullans leid an/or Ullans Leid.

Policy Guidin Principles

Tha Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil Ullans Leid Policy bes based oan tha requirements o Pairt II o tha Euraip Chairtèr fur Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids (gien in Appendix II – noo tuk oot an pit abain).Tha policy presents a nummer o guidin principles fra whutch tha Cooncil wull implement a range o guid ections tae promote, enhance an protect tha Ullans leid whilst encooragin its uise in taak an scrievin in hame an wurk life. Specific misures fur implymentin relatin tae each guidin principle ir gien in Appendix I. Tha practical actions tae bae unnèrtakin bae tha Cooncil hae bin shaped wae tha Fishman Model fur reversin

‘Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil kens that wae leeve in a multi-cultùrl an multi leid society’

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Non Discrimination PairtTha Euraip Chairtèr bes based oan a notion o non-discrimination, tha bes, tha Unnèr-Docht Leids folk bes naw discriminated agin bae tha implymentation oan hannalins maid oot ta promote an protect tha Unnèr-Docht Leids.

“Tha Parties unnertak tae get rid, if they hae naw yet done sae, onie naw fair distinction, left oot o,limits oan or preference baelangin ta tha uise o a Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids an ment ta dae awa wae or pit in danger tha wurkins or development o it. Tha takin oan o ections in favour o Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids aimed at promotin equality atween tha uisers o these leids an tha rest o tha fowk or whutch tak acoount o thur bakgrun bes naw raegarded tae bae an ect o discrimination agin tha uisers o mair uised leids”.

Guidin Principle 1: Support fur tha Ullans Leid

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil bes committed tae tha protection an uise o tha Ullans leid. Tha Cooncil kens that thaur bes a need fur tha Cooncil tae promote Ullans in order tae help protect it.

Tae thir en: • Tha Cooncil wull mak a plan fur tha Mid Ulstèr Cooncil airt oan hoo it wull promote tha oncum an promotion o tha Ullans leid. Tha oncum plan wull wurk oot ways tae promote an lairn tha leid; an • Tha Cooncil, throu implymentin o tha roadin, wull hae bètter unnèrstannin o tha shared linuistic nature o Ullans leid. It wull forbye recognise tha contribution that tha Ullans leid can mak tae the hale society waein Mid Ulstèr.

Guidin Principle 2: Publications

Wae raegard tae Cooncil publications, scrieven/printed materials made bae Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil fur iveryboadie wull hae Ullans leid whur appropriate. Cooncil papers wull bae uised tae raise awareness o tha Ullans leid. Newsletters wull hae airticles oan tha Ullans leid whur appropriate.

Tae thir en:

• Design/publishin o material in tha Ullans Leid wull bae o an equal standard wae tha same material in Inglish. • Cooncil papers wull raise ken hoo o tha Ullans Leid whur appropriate. • Tha main baeleves o economy, guid wurkin an uise wull unnerpin tha ootwurkin o tha policy.

Non Discrimination ClauseThe European Charter is based on a concept of non-discrimination, that is, the majority language group is not discriminated against by the implementation of actions designed to promote and protect the minority indigenous languages.

“The Parties undertake to eliminate, if they have not yet done so, any unjustified distinction, exclusion, restriction or preference relating to the use of a regional or minority language and intended to discourage or endanger the maintenance or development of it. The adoption of special measures in favour of regional or minority languages aimed at promoting equality between the users of these languages and the rest of the population or which take due account of their specific conditions is not considered to be an act of discrimination against the users of more widely-used languages”.

Guiding Principle 1: Support for the Ulster-Scots Language

Mid Ulster District Council is committed to the protection and encouragement of the Ulster-Scots language. The Council recognises that there is a need for the Council to promote Ulster-Scots in order to help safeguard it.

To this end: • The Council will prepare a plan for the Mid Ulster Council area on how it will promote the development and promotion of the Ulster- Scots language. The development plan will identify opportunities to promote and learn the language; and• The Council, through implementation of the plan, will encourage better understanding of the shared linguistic nature of Ulster-Scots language. It will also recognise the contribution that the Ulster-Scots language can make to a vibrant society within Mid Ulster.

Guiding Principle 2: Publications

With regard to Council publications, written/printed materials produced by Mid Ulster District Council for public consumption will include Ulster-Scots language where appropriate. Council literature will be used to raise awareness of the Ulster Scots language. Newsletters will contain articles on the Ulster-Scots language where appropriate.

To this end:

• Design/publishing of material in the Ulster-Scots Language will be of an equal standard with the same material in English.• Council literature will raise awareness of the Ulster-Scots Language where appropriate.• The best value principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness will underpin the outworking of the policy.6 Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil Ullans Leid Policy

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Guidin Principle 3: Publicity

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull encoorage an support wireless, TV an video wurk that broadcast in Inglish an Ullans furmat.

Tae thir en:

• Tha Cooncil wull build relationships wae tha Ullans leid media; an

• Whur possible a richt, media wurk cerried oot bae Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull hae Inglish leid an Ullans leid elements.

• Tha main baeleves o economy, guid wurkin an uise wull unnerpin tha ootwurkin o tha policy.

Guidin Principle 4: Correspondence

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull lut tha fowk o Ullans leid pit in taakin or scrieven communications in Ullans leid. Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull scrieve in tha chosen leid o tha boadie, whur thir choice bes ken.

Tae thir en:

• A Courtesy Code fur Ullans wull bae wurked on. Tha Cooncil wull meet wae the wurker folk as an when required ta develop an approach tha points taewards tha Cooncil’s plans unner tha Ullans Leid Policy.

• Users o Ullans leid may pit in taaked or scrieven correspondence in Ullans leid tae Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil;

• Oany correspondence put in Ullans leid wull bae raesponded tae in Ullans leid; wae tha main baeleves o economy, guid wurkin an uise wull unnerpin tha ootwurkin o tha policy.

Guiding Principle 3: Publicity

Mid Ulster District Council will encourage and support radio, TV and video work that broadcast in English and Ulster-Scots format.

To this end:

• The Council will build relationships with the Ulster-Scots language media; and

• Where possible and appropriate, media work carried out by Mid Ulster District Council will contain English language and Ulster-Scots language elements.

• The best value principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness will underpin the outworking of the policy.

Guiding Principle 4: Correspondence

Mid Ulster District Council will ensure that users of Ulster-Scots language may submit oral or written communications in Ulster-Scots language. Mid Ulster District Council will correspond in the chosen language of the recipient, where this choice is known.

To this end:

• A Courtesy Code for Ulster-Scots will be developed. The Council will liaise with the staff representatives as and when required to develop an approach that reflects the Council’s intentions under the Ulster Scots Language Policy.

• Users of Ulster-Scots language may submit oral or written correspondence in Ulster-Scots language to Mid Ulster District Council;

• Any correspondence received in Ulster-Scots language will be responded to in Ulster-Scots language; with the best value principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness will underpin the outworking of the policy.

‘The Council recognises that there is a need for the Council to promote Ulster-Scots in order to help safeguard it’.

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Guidin Principle 5: Presentations / Public Speakin / Daeins

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull wurk that in plannin its presentations, daeins an femily daeins that appropriate allooance bes made fur haein in it tha ken an uise o tha Ullans leid.

Tae thir en Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull:

• Ensure visual presentations oan PowerPoint or ither systems wull hae Ullans leid whur appropriate.

• Whur appropriate, hae Ullans leid waein events, festivals an civic celebrations.

• Tha main baeleves o economy, guid wurkin an uise wull unnerpin tha ootwurkin o tha policy.

Guidin Principle 6: Wurkers an Administrative Practices

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull lairn Cooncil fowk in whutch in thir policy so that thay wull bae able tae raespond richtly tae questins in Ullans leid.

Tae thir en Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull:

• Offer appropriate awareness, trainin an guidaunce tae staff; an

• Provide translation services tae staff.

• Tha Cooncil wull wish tae stairt a phased approach tae tha ootline oan policies tha hae a relationship ta ither leids, (e.g. Polish / Lithuanian / Portuguese) an those wae langstandin seekness (e.g. braille, sign leid, easyread).

Guiding Principle 5: Presentations / Public Speaking/ Events

Mid Ulster District Council will ensure that in planning its presentations, events and festivals that appropriate allowance is made for incorporating the knowledge and use of the Ulster-Scots language.

To this end Mid Ulster District Council will:

• Ensure visual presentations on PowerPoint or other systems will incorporate Ulster-Scots language where appropriate.

• Where appropriate, incorporate the Ulster- Scots language within events, festivals and civic celebrations.

• The best value principles of economy, efficiency and effectiveness will underpin the outworking of the policy.

Guiding Principle 6: Staff and Administrative Practices

Mid Ulster District Council will train Council officers in the detail of this policy so that they will be able to respond appropriately to enquiries in Ulster-Scots language.

To this end Mid Ulster District Council will:

• Offer appropriate awareness, training and guidance to staff; and

• Provide translation services to staff.

• The Council will wish to introduce a phased approach to the introduction on policies that have a relationship to other languages, (e.g. Polish / Lithuanian / Portuguese) and those with sensory disabilities (e.g. braille, sign

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Guidin Principle 7: Sicht o Ullans Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull enhance tha sicht o Ullans leid an hae diffrent ways o accessin tha leid.

Tae thir en Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull:

• Promote links atween Ullans leid an/or Ullans Leid fowks

• Permit tha uise o Cooncil facilities fur Ullans leid sessions

• Cooncil wull wish ta pit awa the fears o resydentèrs, wurkers an ratepayers aboot tha translation o documents bae haein a staged process as pictered unner tha backin fur Ullans Leid timframes. This wull bae unnertaken wae regular wurker meetin, press releases, meetins wae relevant stakehoulders an in public meetins.

Guiding Principle 7: Visibility of Ulster-ScotsMid Ulster District Council will enhance the visibility of Ulster-Scots language and foster different means of accessing the language.

To this end Mid Ulster District Council will:

• Promote linkages between Ulster-Scots language and/or Irish language groups

• Permit the use of Council facilities for Ulster-Scots language sessions

• Council will wish to allay the fears of residents, staff and ratepayers about the translation of documents by having a staged process as envisaged under the support for UlsterScots Language timeframes. This will be undertaken with regular staff meetings, press releases, engagement with relevant stakeholders and in public meetings.

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Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull wurk that in plannin its presentations, daeins an femily daeins that appropriate allooance bes made fur haein in it tha ken an uise o tha Ullans leid.

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Appendix 1 – Guidin Principles Specific Misures fur Implymentin Timeframe relates tae Yeir 1 – Yeir 4 o tha furst term o tha Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil.

Guidin Principle Misures fur Implymentin Timline

Support fur Ullans Leid

Prepare an pit in plaice a roadin oan tha oncum an promotion o tha Ullans leid Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Publications Tha format fur Inglish an Ullans materials wull bae Ullans an Inglish, side-bae-side, wae baith leids o equal size.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Accordin tae need an as resources aloo, Cooncil scrievens wull raise awareness o tha Ullans Leid whur appropriate.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Material aimed exclusively at fowk o Ullans may bae produced in Ullans leid ainly.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Newsletters / bulletins wull hae airticles oan tha Ullans leid, whur appropriate. Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Design/ publishin o material in tha Ullans leid wull bae o an equal standard wae tha same material in Inglish.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Publicity Raelationships wae tha Ullans leid media wull bae set up. Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Whur possible an appropriate, wireless, T.V. an video wurk cerried oot bae fowk o Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull hae Inglish an Ullans elements. Wurkers wull naw bae left oot fra wireless, T.V. an video wurk baecause o a lack o ken hoo o tha Ullans leid.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Correspondence In scrieven communications o Inglish leid an Ullans leid format, baith leids wull bae plaiced side-bae-side, wae tha Ullans leid version oan tha left an tha Inglish oan tha richt, or if thir bes naw practicable, bae placin tha Ullans leid version abain tha Inglish.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Oany Scrievens raeceived in Ullans leid wull bae raesponded tae in Ullans. Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Aal staff waein each daepairtment wull bae lairned oan tha Courtesy Code fur Ullans leid whutch wull forbye mak provision fur courtesy tae wurkers o tha Cooncil wha dinnae taak Ullans leid but cum in contact wae a member o tha public wha wants tae taak in Ullans leid.

Yeir 1

Presentations / Events

Visual presentation oan PowerPoint or ither systems wull bae Inglish leid an hae Ullans leid whur appropriate.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil wull ensure that femily daeins/ civic celebrations whutch tha Cooncil daes or helps mak richt allooance fur haein tha ken hoo an uise o tha Ullans leid.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Staff & Administrative Practices

Guidaunce wull bae gien tae receptionists an telephonists so that thay wull bae able tae raespond richtly tae questins in Ullans.

Yeir 1

Translation, correction an proofreadin services wull bae made available tae aal wurkers an external providers o these services wull bae quality-assured.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Ullans leid awareness clesses wull bae gien as pairt o an inservice lairnin programme fur wurkers wha wish tae tak it up.

Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Visibility of Ulster-Scots

Links atween Ullans leid an/or Ullans Leid fowks wull bae promoted. Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Ullans leid scrievens wull bae uised mair in Mid Ulstèr Airt Cooncil’s wabsite. Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

Uise o Cooncil facilities fur Ullans leid sessions wull bae alooed. Yeir 1 – Yeir 4

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Appendix 1 – Guiding Principles Specific Measures for ImplementationTimeframe relates to Year 1 – Year 4 of the first term of the Mid Ulster District Council

Guiding Principle Measures for Implementation Timeline

Support for Ulster- Scots Language

Prepare and implement plan on the development and promotion of the Ulster- Scots language.

Year 1 – Year 4

Publications The format for English and Ulster-Scots materials will be Ulster-Scots and English, side-by-side, with both languages of equal size.

Year 1 – Year 4

According to need and as resources allow, Council literature will raise awareness of the Ulster-Scots Language where appropriate.

Year 1 – Year 4

Material aimed exclusively at users of Ulster-Scots may be produced in Ulster- Scots language only.

Year 1 – Year 4

Newsletters / bulletins will contain articles on the Ulster-Scots language, where appropriate.

Year 1 – Year 4

Design/ publishing of material in the Ulster-Scots language will be of an equal standard with the same material in English.

Year 1 – Year 4

Publicity Relationships with the Ulster-Scots language media will be established. Year 1 – Year 4

Where possible and appropriate, radio, T.V. and video work carried out by members of Mid Ulster District Council will contain English and Ulster-Scots elements. Employees will not be excluded from radio, T.V. and video work because of a lack of knowledge of the Ulster-Scots language.

Year 1 – Year 4

Correspondence In written communications of English language and Ulster-Scots language format, both languages will be placed side-by-side, with the Ulster-Scots language version on the left and the English on the right, or if this is not practicable, by placing the Ulster-Scots language version above the English.

Year 1 – Year 4

Any correspondence received in Ulster-Scots language will be responded to in Ulster-Scots.

Year 1 – Year 4

All staff within each department will be trained on the Courtesy Code for Ulster - Scots language which will also make provision for courtesy to employees of the Council who do not speak Ulster-Scots language but come in contact with a member of the public who wishes to communicate in Ulster-Scots language.

Year 1

Presentations / Events

Visual presentation on PowerPoint or other systems will be English language and incorporate Ulster-Scots language where appropriate.

Year 1 – Year 4

Mid Ulster District Council will ensure that festivals/ civic celebrations which the Council organises or supports make appropriate allowance for incorporating the knowledge and use of the Ulster-Scots language.

Year 1 – Year 4

Staff & Administrative Practices

Guidance will be offered to receptionists and telephonists so that they will be able to respond appropriately to enquiries in Ulster-Scots.

Year 1

Translation, correction and proof-reading services will be made available to all staff and external providers of these services will be quality-assured.

Year 1 – Year 4

Ulster-Scots language awareness classes will be available as part of an in-service training programme for staff who wish to avail of it.

Year 1 – Year 4

Visibility of Ulster-Scots

Linkages between Ulster-Scots language and/or Irish language groups will be promoted

Year 1 – Year 4

Ulster-Scots language text will be increasingly incorporated into Mid Ulster District Council’s website.

Year 1 – Year 4

Use of Council facilities for Ulster-Scots language sessions will be permitted Year 1 – Year 4

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Appendix II - Relevant Laa an Guidaunce

Tha Euraip Chairtèr fur Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids

Tha Euraip Chairtèr fur Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht Leids (Pairt 2 – applies tae Ullans Leid an Airish Leid), waein tha territories in whutch such leids ir uised an accordin tae tha situation o each leid, requires Pairties tae base thair policies oan:

• Tha need fur resolute hannlin tae promote Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht leids in order tae protect thaim; an • Facilitation an/or mak uise o Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht leids in speech an scrievin in hame an wurk life. Pairt II o tha Chairtèr shows tha need tae base policies, laa an practice oan tha principles o raecognisin, promotin an encooragin tha uise o Ullans tae preserve an protect tha leid. Pairt II o tha Chairtèr plaices tha onus oan tha Cooncil tae proactively encoorage tha uise o tha Ullans leid in speech an scrievin in hame an wurk life.

Tha Baelfawst Greeance (19an98) Tha Baelfawst Greeance (19an98) unnèr section ‘Richts, Safeguards an Equality o Opportunity: Economic, Social an Cultùrl Issues’ forbye makes reference tae Ullans. Paragraph 3:

“3. Aal participants raecognise tha importance o raespeck, unnèrstannin an tolerance in raelation tae linuistic diversity, includin in Norlin Airlan, tha Ullans leid, Ullans an tha leids o tha various ethnic communities, aal o whutch ir pairt o tha cultùrl wealth o tha island o Airlan.” Follaein tha signin o Tha Baelfawst Greeance (1998) an Ullans leid boadie wus set up; tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch whutch seeks tae “promote tha study, conservation an oncum o Ullans as a leevin leid; tae encoorage an develop tha fu range o its attendant cultùr; an tae promote an unnèrstannin o tha hïstrie o tha Ullans fowk”. In 2003 tha British an Airish Goverments gien a Joint Declaration as pairt o a flit towards tha re-establishment o devolution. Tha Goverments said that they needed tae expand oan tha commitments gien tae Ullans waein Tha Baelfawst Greeance (1998) “Tha British Goverment… wull forbye tak steps tae encoorage support tae bae made available fur an Ullans academie”.

Appendix II - Relevant Legislation and Guidance

The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (Part 2 – applies to Irish Language and Ulster Scots), within the territories in which such languages are used and according to the situation of each language, requires Parties to base their policies on:

• The need for resolute action to promote regional or minority languages in order to safeguard them; and • Facilitation and/or encouragement of the use of regional or minority languages in speech and writing in private and public life. Part II of the Charter highlights the need to base policies, legislation and practice on the principles of recognising, promoting and encouraging the use of Ulster-Scots to preserve and safeguard the language. Part II of the Charter places the onus on the Council to proactively encourage the use of the Ulster-Scots language in speech and writing in private and public life.

The Belfast Agreement (1998)The Belfast Agreement (1998) under section ‘Rights, Safeguards and Equality of Opportunity: Economic, Social and Cultural Issues’ also makes reference to Ulster-Scots.

Paragraph 3:

“3. All participants recognise the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Ulster-Scots language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland.”

Following the signing of The Belfast Agreement (1998) an Ulster-Scots language body was created; tha Boord o Ulstèr-Scotch which seeks to “promote the study, conservation and development of Ulster-Scots as a living language; to encourage and develop the full range of its attendant culture; and to promote an understanding of the history of the Ulster-Scots people”.

In 2003 the British and Irish Governments released a Joint Declaration as part of a move towards the re-establishment of devolution. The Governments stated that they intended to expand on the commitments given to Ulster-Scots within The Belfast Agreement (1998) “The British Government… will also take steps to encourage support to be made available for an Ulster-Scots academy”.

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Norlin Airlan (St Andrew’s Greeance) Ect 20an06 Additional provisions were gien fur Ullans in tha St Andrew’s Greeance – Annex B, in whutch it states: “Tha Goverment firmly baelieves in tha need tae enhance an develop tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr an wull support tha incomin Heid Cooncil in takin thir forrit”

Euraip Chairtèr oan Boadies Richts Tha NA Boadies Richts Commission haes said that, fra a human richts perspective, it bes difficult tae see oany legitimate gruns fur objectin tae a Unnèr-Docht leid baein promoted bae an employer or, mair generally, a public boadie. Oan broader issues, tha Commission haes drawn attention tae tha fact that thaur bes nae “richt tae bae offended” bae anither party exercisin a richt. Thir bes a general principle o freedom o expression (ECHR Airticle 10) whutch can bae read wae ECHR Airticle 14 oan non-discrimination oan gruns that include leid. Tha Commission haes said that tha richt tae uise a Kintrie-Pairt or Unnèr-Docht leid in hame an wurk life bes an richt conformin tae tha principles in tha United Nations Owerseys Covenant oan Civil an Poaliticks Richts (ICCPR), an accordin tae tha spirit o tha Cooncil o Euraip Convention fur tha Protection o Human Richts an Fundamental Freedoms. Tha Commission haes concluded that official acknowledgement o a Unnèr-Docht leid cannae bae a violation o tha richts o thaim wha dinnae uise that leid.

DCAL Consultative Document 20an12 – Draft Roadin fur Ullans In July 20an12 DCAL ootset a consultative document containin plans fur a roadin fur tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr as a key buildin block unnèr Rankin 4 ‘Buildin a Strang an Shared Resydentèrs’ in tha Heid Cooncil’s Programme fur Goverment 20an11- 20an15. Thaur wus a consultation period lastin fur 20 weeks, fra Wednesday 11 July until Tuesday 27 November 20an12. Tha results o tha consultation ir naw yet available.

Northern Ireland (St Andrew’s Agreement)Act 2006Northern Ireland (St Andrew’s Agreement) Act 2006Additional provisions were made for Ulster-Scots in the St Andrew’s Agreement – Annex B, in which it states:

“The Government firmly believes in the need to enhance and develop the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture and will support the incoming Executive in taking this forward”

European Charter on Human RightsThe NI Human Rights Commission has advised that, from a human rights perspective, it is difficult to see any legitimate grounds for objecting to a minority language being promoted by an employer or, more generally, a public body.

On broader issues, the Commission has drawn attention to the fact that there is no “right to be offended” by another party exercising a right. This is a general principle of freedom of expression (ECHR Article 10) which can be read in conjunction with ECHR Article 14 on non-discrimination on grounds that include language.

The Commission has advised that the right to use a regional or minority language in private and public life is an inalienable right conforming to the principles embodied in the United Nations International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), and according to the spirit of the Council of Europe Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and Fundamental Freedoms.

The Commission has concluded that official acknowledgement of a minority language cannot constitute a violation of the rights of those who do not use that language.

DCAL Consultative Document 2012 – Draft Strategy for Ulster-Scots

In July 2012 DCAL published a consultative document containing proposals for a strategy for the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture as a key building block under Priority 4 ‘Building a Strong and Shared Community’ in the Executive’s Programme for Government 2011-2015. There was a consultation period lasting for 20 weeks, from Wednesday 11 July until Tuesday 27 November 2012. The results of the consultation are not yet available.

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Tha purpose o thir public consultation wus tae seek views an feedbak oan tha content o tha draft Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr roadin, whutch includes aims, objectives an airts fur hannlin tae proactively protect, enhance an develop tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr. Tha key aims o tha draft roadin ir tae:

• Create a framewurk whur tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr can suceed an bae shared an enjoyed;

• Protect an support tha oncum an learnin tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr; an

• Promote wider unnèrstannin an raecognition o tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr.

• Tha draft roadin haes tha follaein objectives:

• Increase lairnin provision o aal aspects o Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr;

• Increase access tae Ullans leid media includin online material;

• Promote tha economic benefits o tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr; an

• Promote raesearch in raelation tae tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr.

• Key airts fur hannlin tae protect, enhance an develop tha Ullans leid, heirskip an cultùr include Lairnin, Media, Uise o Leid, Public Services, Cultùr.

The purpose of this public consultation was to seek views and feedback on the content of the draft Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture strategy, which includes aims, objectives and areas for action to proactively protect, enhance and develop the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.

The key aims of the draft strategy are to:

• Create a framework where the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture can flourish and be shared and enjoyed;

• Protect and support the development and learning the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture; and

• Promote wider understanding and recognition of the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.

• The draft strategy has the following objectives:

• Increase educational provision of all aspects of Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture;

• Increase access to Ulster-Scots language media including online material;

• Promote the economic benefits of the Ulster- Scots language, heritage and culture; and

• Promote research in relation to the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture.

• Key areas for action to protect, enhance and develop the Ulster-Scots language, heritage and culture include Education, Media, Use of Language, Public Services, Culture.

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Department of Business & CommunitiesArts and Cultural ServicesMid Ulster District Council

Call 03000 132 132www.midulstercouncil.org


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