Objective: The research project aims to simulate a parliamentary report on minority languages in Europe, focusing on a specific minority language spoken in France. You will explore and analyse the cultural, social, and economic implications of the loss of this language, assess the benefits of linguistic diversity for national identity and social cohesion, and develop concrete proposals that the European Union could implement to preserve and promote this language.

Part 1: Data Collection and Research Questions

Important information:

Individual assignment

Worth 15% of your final grade

Due date: Sunday 1st of September 11:59pm (end of week 5)

Length: approximately 1000 words

Individual Assignment
15% of your final grade
Due Date: Sunday, September 1st, 11:59 PM (end of week 5)
Length: approximately 1,000 words.

To submit, click here (or find the "Research Project Part 1" Dropbox in the "Assignments" section in the left menu).

Click here for detailed grading criteria.

Objectives :

Identify and collect data on the chosen minority language (e.g., Breton, Basque, Occitan, Corsican, etc.).
Analyse historical, cultural, social, and economic information related to this language.

Tasks:

Research the chosen language:

1. History and cultural significance of the language.
2. Current number of speakers and geographic distribution.
3. Demographic and linguistic trends: Who speaks the language? In what context(s)? In what manner (formal, informal, institutional, public, private, etc.)
4. Factors contributing to the decline of the language (e.g., urbanisation, politics, societal attitudes).

Study current language revitalisation and preservation initiatives, as well as existing language policies/legislation at the European level related to this language or minority languages in general.
Consider possible measures the EU could implement to promote the use of the chosen language.

To be submitted: a full research report.