European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages

(Please note that to help understanding of the Charter, below we have replaced the words regional/minority language with the words 'Ulster-Scots'.  The Charter pertains to all recognised regional or minority languages specified.)

The European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages entered into force for the United Kingdom on 1st July 2001.  For the purposes of Part II of the Charter, the UK Government recognised that Ulster-Scots met the definition of a regional or a minority language, and is therefore committed to applying the objectives and principles of Article 7 of the Charter to the Ulster-Scots language. Article 7 provides: -

1.  In respect of the Ulster-Scots language, within the territory in which the language is used and according to the situation of the language, State Parties shall base their policies, legislation and practice on the following objectives and principles: -

• The recognition of the Ulster-Scots language as an expression of cultural wealth;
  
  
• The respect for the geographical area of the Ulster-Scots language in order to ensure that existing or new administrative divisions do not constitue an obstacle to the promotion of the Ulster-Scots language.
  
  
• The need for resolute action to promte the Ulster-Scots language in order to safeguard it:
  
  
• The facilitation and/or encouragement of the use of the Ulster-Scots language, in speech and writing, in public and private life;
  
  
• The maintenance and development of links, in the fields covered by the Charter, between groups using the Ulster-Scots language and other groups in the State employing a language used in identical or similar form, as well as the establishment of cultural relations with other groups in the State using different languages;
  
  
• The provision of appropriate forms and means for the teaching and study of the Ulster-Scots language at all appropriate stages;
  
  
• The provision of facilites enabling non-speakers of the Ulster-Scots language living in the area where it is used to learn if they so desire;
  
  
• The promotion of study and research on the Ulster-Scots language at universities or equivalent institutions;
  
  
• The promotion of appropriate types of transnational exchanges, in the fields covered by the Charter, for the Ulster-Scots language if used in identical or similar form in two or more States.

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

3.  The Parties undertake to promote, by appropriate measures, mutual understanding between all the lingusitc groups of the country and in particular the inclusion of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to the Ulster-Scots language among the objectives of education and training provided within its country and encouragement of the mass media to puruse the same objective.

4.  In determining their policy with regard to the Ulster-Scots language, the Parties shall take into consideration the needs and wishes expressed by the groups who use the language.  They are encouraged to establish bodies, if necessary, for the purpose of advising the authorities on all matters pertaining to the Ulster-Scots language.