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Language Provision
Advice from Scottish Ministers has already gone to Scottish public authorities in connection with service provision for speakers of languages other than English. Ministers have asked authorities and public bodies to develop appropriate language plans for the communities which they serve. Public bodies in Scotland have duties to ensure access to services and they have been asked to take account of language and communication issues in this context.
Public bodies have been asked to put plans in place for race equality and disability equality and some bodies will have Gaelic plans in place. A language plan could draw on these and should also seek to give expression to the principles below. We have, therefore, set out these guiding principles as an aid to bodies and to help shape the provision of services.
Language Plans
A language plan is simply a statement of an organisation's commitment to the most prominent languages which can be found within the area of that organisation's operation. It will list what users of the services of a particular body can expect in terms of their language community. A language plan could contain a statement of the functions of the body, a description of the principal languages in area of the body's operation, a statement of how a body could assist different language groups both in its internal processes and in the delivery of services and plans for monitoring and evaluating the language plan.
In terms of the content of a language plan a public body could consider the use of languages in the areas of corporate identity, communications, staff appointments, delivery of services, translation and staff training. A language plan which covered the areas above would form the basis of a commitment to different language groups and it would enable language groups to know what services were available in different languages from a public body. It would be for different bodies and authorities to consider what would be appropriate for their area and at what level.
Principles
At the start of this document, it was noted that this Strategy would guide the development of Scotland's languages. A number of guiding principles are listed overleaf for this purpose. We acknowledged there were good reasons for promoting language initiatives. These included celebrating cultural diversity, promoting respect and confidence, encouraging mobility and communication, facilitating access and inclusion, increasing economic opportunity and enriching education. We are confident that the approach adopted in this strategy will contribute to these ends.
As many people in Scotland as possible will be equipped with fluent English language skills. |
By custom and usage English is the main language of Scotland. It is important for public bodies to ensure that there are opportunities for everybody to express themselves in English, as this facilitates access to most aspects of Scottish life. The policies which bodies have in place should seek to ensure that for those for whom English is not their first language that there are adequate resources for improving English language skills. Scottish businesses could also give consideration to the provision of specialist English language provision for those requiring a certain level of professional and technical English within particular professions. |
The Gaelic language will be protected and promoted. |
There is now a general commitment to ensure that the Gaelic language thrives within Scotland. In support of this the teaching of Gaelic by authorities is being encouraged and its use in daily life, particularly in those parts of Scotland with a large concentration of speakers. The Executive will encourage authorities to extend Gaelic medium education and to increase the profile of Gaelic in public life in Scotland in line with the provisions of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005. |
The Scots language will be treated with respect and pride. |
It is important for Scottish public bodies to ensure that Scots is recognised as a valid means of communication and cultural expression. The use of Scots should be encouraged in the school curriculum and its valuable role in promoting self-confidence and pride amongst those who speak it. The Executive will continue to support policies which encourage the promotion of Scots culture and of Scots language and literature in schools where appropriate. Public bodies will also be encouraged to explore opportunities to promote and develop the Scots language. |
There will be fair and equal linguistic access to information and services. |
There are policies in place which seek to ensure that all Scottish residents for whom English or Gaelic is not a first language should have access to alternative language provision where necessary in order to enable them to access services and provide opportunities for them to participate in Scottish life. Scottish public bodies should seek to provide access to high quality translation, interpretation and communication support (tics) services in order to ensure fair and accessible services for everyone. It is also important that communication strategies are developed for people with communication support needs. Language should not act as a barrier to awareness of, or access to, services and opportunities by considering the needs of the target audience and ensuring that information and publicity material is available in a range of languages and formats. |
Linguistic diversity will be celebrated and multilingualism will be valued. |
Scottish public bodies should seek to ensure that adequate recognition is given to first language skills other than English and that these languages are recognised as a valuable national resource. A wide language base is a valuable resource for the Scottish economy and the ability to communicate with people in countries where we do business and to understand their cultures will be valued. We must all, therefore, recognise our bilingual and multilingual speakers as a valuable national resource. There are also other benefits that result from linguistic diversity and we will seek to maximise the appreciation of the cultural and educational benefits that can result. |
Language learning and acquisition will be promoted. |
All people living in Scotland should be encouraged to learn languages other than their own as a means of improving opportunities for employment, study and travel abroad. Language education carries the potential to enrich education at all levels, whether in school or in the work place. Language learning also offers the ability to communicate in another language, to have access to other cultures and economic opportunities. In support of this the Scottish Executive expects all Scottish schools to offer modern language teaching between the years P6 to S4, providing a range of languages and encouraging uptake at National Qualification level. |
Respect for the languages spoken in Scotland will be promoted. |
Our communities are composed of people from many different backgrounds and identities. Language is often a key component of these identities and merits our respect for the important contributions that have been made to Scottish society. It is important that public bodies seek to address the concerns of those who feel that there has been insufficient recognition of their language and the needs of their community. We will encourage local authorities and public bodies to develop appropriate language plans for the communities they serve. |
Throughout this document we have also acknowledged that there are many good language initiatives in place and bodies are active in supporting and promoting languages as they are engaged in the delivery of their services. This section provides the opportunity for bodies to adopt a coherent approach to guide the development of languages in Scotland and complement and encourage the progress that many have made. The approach recommended is the development of language plans based on the above guiding principles and, where appropriate, having regard to the following related initiatives.
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