Norman language - official recognition and promotion

On Saturday 19th January the mainland Normandy Region organised a meeting of officials, politicians, activists, academics and other interested parties with round table discussions on the future of the Norman language. Deputy Le Tocq from Guernsey took part, but unfortunately attendance by Deputy Tadier, Assistant Minister for Culture representing the States of Jersey, and Geraint Jennings, of L'Office du Jèrriais, was prevented by the cancellation of ferries.

A lively discussion was had and the event was summed up by M. Hervé Morin, President of the Normandy Region, who launched a programme for the safeguard and promotion of the Norman language. Among measures to be undertaken are:

• a survey of usage of the language
• a linguistic audio atlas
• the creation of an academy of the Norman language
• Norman language classes in schools
• signage in Norman