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Foreword
In 2003 the Scottish Executive made a commitment to introduce a national language strategy to guide the development and support of Scotland's languages, including British Sign Language and other minority languages. Our aim is to celebrate and promote the rich diversity of languages spoken in Scotland, to raise the profile of Scotland's languages, to ensure that this rich heritage is recognised as a national resource and to encourage people living in Scotland to learn languages other than their own.
We recognise that many language initiatives are already in place and that a number of authorities and public bodies are dealing with language issues in Scotland. We also recognise that the needs and profiles of the many languages spoken in Scotland vary. This strategy will seek to provide a coherent approach that can guide the development of languages in Scotland and complement and encourage the progress that has been made. In this paper we will encourage bodies to consider the development of language plans based on the principles listed in this strategy and, where appropriate, having regard to the initiatives which are in place.
Scotland is a multilingual country. We live in a world where we often encounter different nationalities, cultures and languages, in our daily lives. This should shape our vision for Scotland. We need to accept cultural and linguistic diversity within Scotland and encourage the languages spoken and learnt in Scotland in order to increase our ability to communicate with other countries. The ability to communicate and to welcome different cultures and languages will not only raise the quality of Scottish cultural life but can raise the profile and success of Scotland across the world.
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