Please join Mearieta Clemente, MA Student in European Union Studies, for the defense of her thesis, “Preserving Friulian: Education, Policy, and Identity in the Face of Linguistic Decline."
Abstract
Minority and regional languages across the world are facing the threat of extinction. While the European Union prides themself on linguistic diversity, Friulian, a Romance language spoken in northeastern Italy, continues to struggle. Friulian is categorized by UNESCO as "definitely endangered" and it faces challenges in preserving the language. Even though it enjoys legal recognition through Italian state and regional laws, including State Law No. 482/1999 and Regional Law No. 29/2007, its survival is hindered by gaps in implementation. This can especially be seen within the education system as education and acquisition planning play a significant role in language revitalization. However Friulian education is greatly influenced by shifts in attitudes toward identity and language, digital presence, and preserved cultural capital, especially among younger generations who are in favor of dominant languages like Italian and English. Drawing comparisons with the bilingual education model of the Basque Autonomous Community and the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ECRML), these comparisons highlight the importance of policy implementation over mere legislation. By looking at the history of the region, educational practices, societal attitudes, and language policies, can we then identify the shortcomings of Friulian preservation, including insufficient funding, inadequate teacher training, and low cultural capital. With proposals to strengthen educational frameworks, enhance public awareness, and modernize language use, particularly in digital domains, we can hope to see increased language usage and higher numbers of speakers. By situating Friulian within broader discussions of endangered languages and stateless nations in Europe, this research contributes to understanding effective language preservation strategies. By advocating for Friulian's integration into daily life and education it will secure its future and preserve its vibrant cultural and linguistic heritage.