04 July 2019
The Assistant Minister for Economic Development, Deputy Montfort Tadier, is in Cornwall this week to learn about how other jurisdictions support minority groups.
Deputy Tadier will join two conferences during his trip and will focus particularly on how other places support those who speak indigenous and minority languages.
Local Jèrriais teacher, Ben Spink, will accompany Deputy Tadier on the visit to give an insight into how the learnings could be applied to supporting Jèrriais speakers in Jersey.
Deputy Tadier and Mr Spink will attend:
- The Celtic Knot Conference, which focuses on using technology to revitalise endangered languages; and
- The National Minority Summit, which considers the challenges and opportunities of protecting the heritage and ideals of minority groups.
Deputy Tadier said: “We are grateful to the Cornish Council for their kind invitation. These two conferences will provide an excellent opportunity for us to learn what other places are doing to support minorities and to protect minority languages. I look forward to gathering ideas of how we can protect and support Jersey’s own language, Jèrriais, to make sure that it can be passed on to generations to come.
“Jèrriais is a valuable part of our island’s unique cultural identity, and I want to ensure that we support the language, and those who speak it.
“I will be meeting Councillor Bob Egerton, who has responsibility for Culture, Economy and Planning for the region later today. I look forward to learning from him and sharing ideas with him.”
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