Linguistic Policies and the Survival of Regional Languages in France and Britain

Alsatian, Basque, Catalan, Corsican, Western Flemish, Occitan, and various languages such as Picard: what have they got in common, if anything, with Welsh, Scottish Gaelic, Irish, and Cornish? Does Cornish even exist anymore? And is Scots a language? And why is Ulster Scots so important today? These are the kind of questions answered in this book, which examines, first of all, how they were partly or totally destroyed by the emergence of French and English. Each language is examined in the context of the overall policies of France and Britain, reference being made in each case to their historical development and the efforts made today to reinstate them. A comparative approach helps to throw light on unexpected similarities in both countries, and offers therefore much food for thought for those involved in their rehabilitation or working in contexts in which the regional languages play a role (education, administration, tourism, policy making). An understanding of the problems involved is essential for any understanding of the contemporary issues affecting both France and Britain today, particularly in terms of devolution, or, in the case of France, decentralization. A valuable resource and enjoyable reading for both students and researchers.