A new Limburg language policy is under debate, with Limburg’s government asking the Raod veur ‘t Limburgs (‘Council for Limburgish’) for a new vision. The question is whether to pursue recognition akin to the Frisian language model or to base policy on a government-offered covenant. Limburgish, recognized as a regional language under the European Charter since 1997, lacks the same rights as Frisian. The Dutch government has historically not met its obligations for Limburgish. The proposed covenant, unlike a legal framework, lacks enforceability and would leave Limburgish dependent on fluctuating political will. This could undermine the language’s protection by the Council of Europe. The article argues for a legal framework like Frisian’s, offering stability and protection for Limburgish and aligning with legal norms on equality and non-discrimination.
The article is in Dutch and Limburgish.
