On the November 6th, the ‘Covenant regarding the recognition of the Limburgish Language’ (‘Covenant on the Dutch recognition of the Limburgish language’) was signed. This follows the recognition of Limburgish as a regional language under the European Charter. In the Covenant, Limburgish is named a ‘language’ and under the Charter as a ‘regional language’. We look at the legal and political status of Limburgish in the Netherlands, especially after the recognition under the Covenant. Legally, it is important to define terms like ‘language’ and ‘regional language’. Limburgish was recognized as a ‘regional language’ in 1997 and not as a ‘dialect’. For 20 years the Dutch government has refused to fulfill its obligations for Limburgish under the Charter. The Covenant is not legally binding but a political agreement between the Minister and the Province. Under international and national law Limburgish remains a regional language.
The article is in Dutch and Limburgish.
