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====== Bildts in The Netherlands ======

==== Language designations: ====
  * In the language itself: Bildts
  * [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#ISO 639-3|ISO 639-3]] standard: //not available//

==== Language vitality according to: ====

^[[https://en.wal.unesco.org/|UNESCO ]] ^ [[https://www.ethnologue.com/|Ethnologue ]] ^ [[http://www.endangeredlanguages.com/|Endangered Languages  ]] ^[[https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/bild1234|Glottolog]]  ^ 
|  //n.a. //  |  //n.a. //  |  //n.a.//  |  //n.a.//  | 
<sup> Click [[manual:colour_codes|here]] for a full overview of the language vitality colour codes. </sup>

==== Linguistic aspects: =====

  * Classification: \\ //Indo-European// > //Germanic// > //West-Germanic// > //Weser-Rhine Germanic// > //Low Franconian// > //Hollandic// > //Bildts//, as well as\\  //Indo-European// > //Germanic// > //West-Germanic// > //North-Sea Germanic// > //Anglo-Frisian// > //Frisian// > //West Frisian// > //Bildts//. \\ See [[https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/bild1234|bild1234]] on [[https://glottolog.org|Glottolog]]
  * Script: //Latin//




----

==== Language standardisation ====

A first academic series of standardisation of Bildts came from Hotze Sytses Buwalda, who wrote various articles from 1935 onwards((Buwalda, S. (2020, 16 January). Te gast: de Fryske Akademy en de Bildtse taal [Guest: the Fryske Akademy and the Bildts language. //Leeuwarder Courant//.[[https://www.lc.nl/opinie/Te-gast-de-Fryske-Akademy-en-de-Bildtse-taal-25240537.html?harvest_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F]].)) In 1963, he wrote the general booklet //Hoe skrive wy 't in 't Bildts// (How do we write it in Bildts) ((Leeuwarder Courant. (1994, February 9). Bildtse taalkundige Buwalda sturven [Bildts linguist Buwalda died]. //Leeuwarder Courant//. [[https://www.delpher.nl/nl/kranten/view?query=hotze+buwalda&coll=ddd&identifier=ddd%3A010623159%3Ampeg21%3Aa0220&resultsidentifier=ddd%3A010623159%3Ampeg21%3Aa0220]].))((Buwalda, S. (2020, 16 January). Te gast: de Fryske Akademy en de Bildtse taal [Guest: the Fryske Akademy and the Bildts language. //Leeuwarder Courant//.[[https://www.lc.nl/opinie/Te-gast-de-Fryske-Akademy-en-de-Bildtse-taal-25240537.html?harvest_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F]].)) This standard for Bildts is highly influenced by the writing of author Waling Dykstra (1821-1914), who wrote several  stories in Bildts, from 1852 onwards((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].))((Tresoar & De Vries, A. (2019). Dykstra, Waling. //Tresoar//. Retrieved October 15 2024, from [[https://tresoar.nl/literatuur/biografieen/64133b667611185f13bcea60]].)).

In 1996,  the first dictionary of Bildts, //Woordeboek fan 't Bildts. En list fan toponimen//, was published by the Fryske Akademy, as the collective work of Hotze Sytzes Buwalda, Sytse H Buwalda en Anne C.B. van der Burg ((Buwalda, S. (2020, 16 January). Te gast: de Fryske Akademy en de Bildtse taal [Guest: the Fryske Akademy and the Bildts language. //Leeuwarder Courant//.[[https://www.lc.nl/opinie/Te-gast-de-Fryske-Akademy-en-de-Bildtse-taal-25240537.html?harvest_referrer=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.google.com%2F]].))((Hoekstra, E, and Van Koppen, M. (2001). Het Bildts als resultaat van Fries-Hollands taalcontact [The Bildts language as results of Frisian-Hollandic language contact]. In D. Boutkan and A. Quak (eds) //Language contact. Substratum, superstratum, adstratum in Germanic languages. Amsterdamer Beiträäge zur Alteren Germanistik//. Band 54. Rodopi, Amsterdam - Atlanta, 89-106. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/475794/101BildtGram.htm]].)). This dictionary was welcomed greatly, some even saying it raised the status of Bildts from a dialect to a language ((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].))

As the popularity and need of the dictionary was high - it was sold out for several years - a second edition was published((Omrop Fryslân. (2013, November 13). Nije edysje Biltsk wurdboek [New edition Bildts dictionary]. //Omrop Fryslân//.[[https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nijs/304719-nije-edysje-biltsk-wurdboek]].))((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)). This second edition did not include the toponymical list, but did include a slightly adapted version of the aforementioned writing guide //Hoe skrive wy ’t in ’t Bildts// (covering additional information, such as a detailed orthography and grammar). The dictionary was the collective work of H.S. Buwalda, S.H. Buwalda, A.C.B. van der Burg, and H. Sijens. In 2022, this edition of the dictionary was made available [[https://www.debildtseboekerij.nl/product/woordeboek-fan-t-bildts-2/|online]].((Omrop Fryslân.(2022, October 3). Biltsk wurdboek tenei online te rieplachtsjen [Bildts dictionary available online for consult]. //Omrop Fryslân//. [[ https://www.omropfryslan.nl/fy/nijs/1172165/biltsk-wurdboek-tenei-online-te-rieplachtsjen]].))

In 2024, a grammar, //Grammatica van het Bildts//, was added to this collection, written by by S. Buwalda ((Frisistyk. (2024, April 15). Grammatica van het Bildts [Bildts Grammar]. //Frisistyk//. [[https://neerlandistiek.nl/2024/04/grammatica-van-het-bildts/]].)) This grammar is also available [[https://www.debildtseboekerij.nl/product/grammatica/|online]].

===== Demographics =====

==== Language Area ====

Bildts is highly linked to the area Het Bildt, in the North-West of the province of Fryslân, the Netherlands. The development of the mixed language is tied to the development of the area Het Bildt, which is land claimed from the sea, with the first dykes established in that area in 1505((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)). Due to language contact between Frisian speakers and speakers of the Dutch varieties from South and North Holland, Bildts could develop ((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].))((Hoekstra, E, and Van Koppen, M. (2001). Het Bildts als resultaat van Fries-Hollands taalcontact [The Bildts language as results of Frisian-Hollandic language contact]. In D. Boutkan and A. Quak (eds) //Language contact. Substratum, superstratum, adstratum in Germanic languages. Amsterdamer Beiträäge zur Alteren Germanistik//. Band 54. Rodopi, Amsterdam - Atlanta, 89-106. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/475794/101BildtGram.htm]].)). 

The Bildt area also formed a municipality for a long time, called Het Bildt. In 1984, part of the former municipality Barradeel was added to Het Bildt, which included the Frisian speaking village of Minnertsga (Fr. Minnertsgea). In 2018, a large amalgamation took place, with a merger of the former municipalities Franekeradeel, Menameradiel, and part of Littenseradiel into the new municipality Waadhoeke. In this new administrative area, speakers of Bildts are a relatively small minority. In the municipality Waadhoeke, most residents speak Frisian and Dutch, and in addition to Bildts, there is also a local variety of Town Frisian called Franekers((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].))((Omrop Fryslân. (2017, January 25). Biltkers komme mei petysje oar erkenning Biltske taal [Bildts people come with petition for recognition Bildts language]. // Omrop Fryslân//. [[https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nijs/694363-bilkerts-komme-mei-petysje-foar-erkenning-biltske-taal]].)).


{{ :languages:taalsituatie_noord-nederland.png?nolink&600 |map showing languages areas in the North of the Netherlands}}
<sup>A map showing languages ares in the North of the Netherlands. The language area of Bildts is shown in orange. The Frisian language area is marked in blue, Town Frisian areas are indicated with stripes ((Wutsje. (2007). //Taalsituatie in Noord-Nederland// [image]. Wikimedia Commons. Retrieved from [[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Taalsituatie_Noord-Nederland.png]].)). </sup>

==== Speaker numbers ====

It is estimated that there are six to ten thousand speakers of Bildts ((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].))((Hoekstra, E, and Van Koppen, M. (2001). Het Bildts als resultaat van Fries-Hollands taalcontact [The Bildts language as results of Frisian-Hollandic language contact]. In D. Boutkan and A. Quak (eds) //Language contact. Substratum, superstratum, adstratum in Germanic languages. Amsterdamer Beiträäge zur Alteren Germanistik//. Band 54. Rodopi, Amsterdam - Atlanta, 89-106. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/475794/101BildtGram.htm]].))((Sluis, P. van, Hoekstra, E. & Velde, H. Van de (2016). Bildts as a mixed language. //International Journal of the Sociology of Language//, 2016 (242), 59-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ijsl-2016-0033.)).


The Frisian census on regional languages 2014 and 2022 reported the following responses from Het Bildt((Provincie Fryslân. (2014). //Streektaalatlas 2014: streektalen in beeld// [Regional Language Atlas 2014: regional languages in the spotlight]. Provinsje Fryslân.)) ((Provincie Fryslân. (2022). //Streektaalatlas 2022: streektalen in beeld //[Regional Language Atlas 2022: regional languages in the spotlight]. Provinsje Fryslân.)): 
  * Table 1: The percentage of people who indicated to have good- very good Bildts language skills (productive and receptive);
  * Table 2: The percentage of speakers using Bildts in various situations:
 
<sub> Table 1: Bildts language skills of respondents </sub>
^ Year ^  Can understand  ^  Can speak  ^  Can read  ^  Can write  ^ 
| 2014 |  90%- 100%  |  50−60%  |  50−60%  |  10−15%  |  
| 2022 |  n.a.  |  65.6%  |  n.a.  |  +/- 20%  |


  
<sub> Table 2: Bildts language use of respondents who indicated to use the language </sub>

^ Year ^  Uses Bildts daily  ^  Uses Bildts with partner  ^  Uses Bildts with children  ^
| 2014 |  60−75%  |  +/- 37%  |   +/- 70 %  |
| 2022 |  73.3%  |  57.5%  |  +/- 60%  |

----

====== Education of the language ======

===== History of language education: =====

The call for Bildts language education was set in motion due to the lower educational law amendment of 1974, which allowed Frisian to be used as language of instruction at all levels of primary education, and which established Frisian as a regular subject in all primary schools of the province of Fryslân, starting in 1980. Propelled by this, action was taken and Bildts was allowed to be taught next to Frisian. To provide for educational materials, a special committee,//De Commissie Bildts//, was established in 1979. Nowadays, [[http://meertalighyd.nl/|Kemissy Meertalighyd]] [Committee on Multilingualism ] and [[https://www.cedin.nl/|Cedin]] have taken up most of this work((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)). \\

In 1984, the Frisian speaking village Minnertsga/Minnertsgea was added to municipality Het Bildt, which caused another wave for the Bildts language and culture movement, eventually leading to equal status for both languages in the new enlarged municipality. In 1980, //Stiching Ons Bildt// was founded to support the language and culture, which organised Bildts language courses for example((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)). This organisation merged with the Bildts Dokumintasysintrum, cultural-archaeological visitor centre Aerden Plaats, and the abovementioned Kemissy Meertalighyd into the Stichting Bildts Aigene foundation in 2015, of which the last two went their own way again after a few years.

In the years leading to formation of the new municipality Waadhoeke in 2018, the Bildts language and culture movement was very active again, with recognition of the Bildts language as one of their aims (also see [[languages:bildts_in_the_netherlands#Legislation of language education|Legislation of language education]]). Although Bildts was not recognised on national level, the province of Fryslân and the new political coalition for the municipality of Waadhoeke stated that they would promote and continue to financially support the Bildts language((Coalitie Waadhoeke: CDA, SAM, FNP. (2018). //Nije grinzen, nije kânsen: Coalitie-akkoord Waadhoeke 2018-2022 CDA, SAM en FNP// [New Borders, New Opportunities: Coalition agreement Waadhoeke 2018-22]. [[https://www.waadhoeke.nl/fileadmin/bestanden/Coalitieakkoord_Waadhoeke_2018-2022.pdf]].))((Deputearre Steaten fan Fryslân. (2018). //Moasje 1141, erkenning Biltsk// [Motion 1141, recognition Bildts]. [[https://cms.fnp.frl/cms/bijlagen/20180313_Brief_DS_Moasje_1141_erkenning_Biltsk.pdf]].))((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)).


Nowadays, Bildts language education is mainly provided at primary schools. It is also offered as language courses for adults. 
===== Legislation of language education =====

In 2018, the municipality Het Bildt amalgamated into the larger municipality of Waadhoeke. In anticipation of this administrative change, there was an increased amount of activity and efforts to have Bildts recognised as a (minority) language. \\ 

For this, researchers at the Fryske Akademy were asked to research Bildts, which led to several studies ((Fryske Akademy. (2016). //Is het Bildts een zelfstandige taal?// [Is Bildts an independant language?]. Fryske Akademy. https://www.fryske-akademy.nl/nl/nieuws-en-agenda/nieuwsbericht/news/detail/News/is-het-bildts-een-zelfstandige-taal/.))((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].))((Sluis, P. van, Hoekstra, E. & Velde, H. Van de (2016). Bildts as a mixed language. //International Journal of the Sociology of Language//, 2016 (242), 59-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ijsl-2016-0033.)). They concluded that Bildts is neither a Frisian nor a Dutch dialect, but a mixed language. Eric Hoekstra, one of the co-authors: "We hope that our analysis of Bildts, as a mixed language rather than as a dialect of either Frisian or Dutch, may serve the policy makers of the Ministry, who will decide on the recognition of Bildts as a language" ((Fryske Akademy. (2016). //Is het Bildts een zelfstandige taal?// [Is Bildts an independant language?]. Fryske Akademy. https://www.fryske-akademy.nl/nl/nieuws-en-agenda/nieuwsbericht/news/detail/News/is-het-bildts-een-zelfstandige-taal/.)) ((Original quote in Dutch:"Wij hopen dat we de beleidsmakers van het Ministerie, die over de erkenning van het Bildts als taal beslissen, van dienst kunnen zijn met onze analyse van het Bildts als een mengtaal, die noch als dialect van het Fries, noch als dialect van het Nederlands gezien kan worden."))

Despite the efforts, Bildts was not recognised via the [[general_information:european_legislation|ECRML]], but the language has received recognition at both provincial and municipal level.
==== European Legislation====

In 2016, municipality Het Bildt and language activists were in pursuit of recognition for Bildts under [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Part II of the European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|part II]] of [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages]]. They received support of the Province of Fryslân for this recognition, but the Dutch government decided not to recognise Bildts as a regional or minority language.((Sluis, P. van, Hoekstra, E. & Velde, H. Van de (2016). Bildts as a mixed language. //International Journal of the Sociology of Language//, 2016 (242), 59-80. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1515/ijsl-2016-0033.))((Parlementaire Monitor. (2016). //Brief regering; Verzoek om erkenning van het Bildts onder het Europees Handvest voor regionale talen of talen van minderheden//. Parlementaire Monitor. Retrieved from [[https://www.parlementairemonitor.nl/9353000/1/j9vvij5epmj1ey0/vka8r6z77jzj]].))

This decision came after a negative advise from the //Taalunie// (Language Union) in 2016. The Union was of the opinion that, though Bildts as hybrid language is neither Dutch nor Frisian, it does not mean Bildts is a language rather than a variery of either Dutch of Frisian. The Union states that the purpose of the Charter is not to "elevate more regional languages to distinct cultural languages. Mixed varieties do not need an own umbrella if they can shelter underneath the common umbrella of existing cultural languages." ((Raadswerkgroep het Bildts. (2016). //Taalunieadvies over de erkenning van het Bildts.// Taalunie. Original quote in Dutch: "Het Europees Handvest heeft tot doelstelling bestaande cultuurtalen te beschermen, niet meer streektalen tot aparte cultuurtalen te verheffen. Gemengde variëteiten hoeven geen eigen paraplu’s te krijgen als ze onder de gezamenlijke paraplu’s van bestaande cultuurtalen kunnen schuilen."))

==== National Legislation====

Bildts is not recognised as a regional or minority language in the Netherlands. In 2017, after the negative advise of the //Taalunie// (Language Union), a petition to recognise Bildts was presented to members of the  Dutch Parliament and Senate, but the topic was not discussed in the plenary session on the amalgamation ((Omrop Fryslân. (2017, February 7). Petysje Bilkerts foar erkenning taal oerlange yn Den Haag [Bildts people for recognition language submit petition in Den Hague].// Omrop Fryslân//. [[https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nijs/697061-petysje-bilkerts-foar-erkenning-taal-oerlange-yn-den-haag]].))((Tweede Kamer, (2017). //Samenvoeging gemeenten// [amalgamation municipalities]. [[https://www.tweedekamer.nl/kamerstukken/detail?id=2018D16205&did=2018D16205]].))((Omrop Fryslân. (2018, March 13). Provinsje stipet Waadhoeke om Biltsk taalbelied te meitsjen [province supports Waadhoeke to develop Bildts language policy].// Omrop Fryslân//. [[https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nijs/797140-provinsje-stipet-waadhoeke-om-biltsk-taalbelied-te-meitsjen]].)).

Legislation regarding education is made at national level.

** Pre-school education (0-4 years)**

The law for pre-school education, the //Wet Kinderopvang// [Childcare Act], allows for regional language varieties "which are in lively use" as medium of instruction, alongside Dutch ((Wet Kinderopvang, BWBR0017017 [Childcare Act]. (2004, July 9). Retrieved October 15, 2024, from [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017017/2023-01-01/0]])).

As of January 2025, there is a legal requirement for employees to have a Dutch language certificate at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference ((ministerie SZW, Ministerie OCW & Brancheorganisatie Kinderopvang. (2024, december 24). //De taaleis in de kinderopvang: Aantoonbaarheidseisen taaleis IKK en taaleis VE// [The language requirement in day care: requirements of demonstrability language requirement IKK and language requirement VE]. Overheid. [[https://open.overheid.nl/documenten/fd15d555-b0f8-46de-9329-d309fc2c74a2/file]].)). Employees who use Frisian or another language full time, are exempt for a Dutch certificate, but are required to have a certificate at B2 level for the language of instruction.

**Primary school education (4-12 years) **

The law for primary education, the //Wet op het primair onderwijs// [Primary Education Act], allows for regional language varieties "which are in lively use" as medium of instruction, alongside Dutch ((Wet op het primair onderwijs , BWBR0003420 [Primary Education Act]. (1981, July 2). Retrieved October 15, 2024, from [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003420/2023-01-01/0]].)).

** Secondary school education (12-16/18 years) **

Until August 2022, the //Wet op het voortgezet onderwijs// [Secondary Education Act] stated the same construction as pre-school and primary education, namely that regional language varieties "which are in lively use" can be used as medium of instruction, alongside Dutch. However, this passage no longer is included. The Act does allow to deviate from Dutch as language of instruction when the subject is about another language, or when it is necessary to do so for pupils because of their linguistic background ((Wet op het voortgezet onderwijs 2020, BWBR0044212 [Secondary Education Act 0f 2020]. (2020, September 30). Retrieved Octobe 15, 2024, from [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0044212/2024-01-01/0]].)).



==== Local Legislation====

=== Provincial level ===

Though legislation regarding education is made at national level, the Provincial Government of Fryslân has primary authority regarding Frisian education via a policy rule, which also encompasses opportunities for schools to teach other regional languages ((Provincie Fryslân. (2015). Beleidsregel voor het verkrijgen van ontheffing voor het vak Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs [Policy rule for obtaining exemptions for the subject of Frisian in primary and secondary education]. //Provinciaal blad van Fryslân// 2015, 3671. [[https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/prb-2015-3671.html]].)). In addition to the national legislation which allows for Bildts to be used as medium of instruction, Bildts can be taught as subject alongside or instead of Frisian at primary level((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)). 

The Dutch state, the Province of Fryslân and amalgamated municipalities, including Waadhoeke have signed the agreement [[https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2017-69672.html|Bestjoerlike oerienkomst Frysk taalbelied yn de nije gemeenten Ljouwert en Súdwest-Fryslân en yn de nij te foarmjen gemeente Waadhoeke]] ('Administrative Agreement Frisian Language Policy in the New Municipalities Leeuwarden and Súdwest-Fryslân and the Upcoming Municipality Waadhoeke')(2017), which states that Waadhoeke will strive to include Bildts in a multilingual language policy.


The Province of Fryslân underlined the support of Bildts and other regional languages for several years. In 2004, in in the //Notysje Streektalen// [policy memorandum regional languages]((Provinsje Fryslân. (2004, October 13). //Persbesluitenlijst// [Press release list of decissions]. Open Nieuwsbank. [[http://www.opennieuwsbank.nl/bericht/2004/10/13/E118-persbesluitenlijst-provincie-friesland.html]].)). Due to this policy memorandum, the province financially supported Stichting Ons Bildt, and it drew up a policy on youth and education((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)). The province has made similar policies for art & culture, language, heritage and education in 2011−2015 with //Grinzen oer//(Across Borders), in 2016−2020 with //Mei hert, holle en hannen//(With heart, head, and hands'), and in 2021−2024 with //Nij Poadium//(‘New Platform’/’New Stage’). Thus, the province has been supportive towards Bildts, although the main responsibilities to carry out the policies lie with the municipality. 

=== Municipal level ===

For education, municipalities can set standards tied to subsidy, to be implemented for a type of pre-school education, called Vroeg- en Voorschoolse educatie [Early and Pre-school education] within pre-school education ((Wet Kinderopvang, BWBR0017017 [Childcare Act]. (2004, July 9). Retrieved October 15, 2024, from [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017017/2023-01-01/0]])). As such, Waadhoeke has added an article (Art. 10) within their policy, in which day care centres need to cooperate with the multilingual language policy of Waadhoeke. For example, centres have to offer and/or develop activities to stimulate a language-rich environment, with attention to multilingualism and home languages used by the children ((Gemeente Waadhoeke. (2022). //Subsidieregeling Peuteropvang en Voor- en vroegschoolse educatie, gemeente Waadhoeke 2022// [Subsidy scheme for toddler care and pre-school and early childhood education, municipality of Waadhoeke 2022]. [[https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/gmb-2022-28041.pdf]].)).

Since its start in 2018, the municipality Waadhoeke has implemented a multilingual language policy, with support of the four main languages in the municipality: Bildts, Dutch, Franekers and Frisian. The first language policy document [[https://ris2.ibabs.eu/Agenda/Details/waadhoeke/446f84ee-e546-49ee-9131-380f0ad3931f|Waadhoeke: Lân fan Taal]] [Waadhoeke: Land of Languages] promotes multilingualism,  including Bildts, supports Bildts education, and specifies financial support.

In 2021, as first municipality of Fryslân (and the Netherlands), the municipality appointed a //meertalighydskoördinator// [Coordinator for Multilingualism], to succesfully implement the language policy, and promote multilingualism among organisations, businesses and the municipality ((Waadhoeke (n.d.). Bildts. //Waadhoeke//. Retrieved October 15, 2024, from [[https://www.waadhoeke.nl/bildts]].)). This coordinator founded and presedes the //Taalplatform Waddenhoek// [Language Platform Waadhoeke] to connect organisations and initiatives, and has initiated the //Taalprijs Waadhoeke// [Language Award Waadhoeke] to award a language initiative on UNESCO's International Motherlanguage Day. 

===== Institutional support for education of the language: =====

==== Institutional support ====

Bildts education and educational materials is supported and provided by e.g.:
  * [[https://bildtsaigene.nl/|Bildts Aigene]], a foundation originating in //Stichting Ôns Bildt// and the former cooperative entity //Bildts documentatiecentrum//. Bildts Aigene has a section Language and Education, which, according to their year report 2019:((Bildts Aigene. (2020). //Jaarverslag 2019// [Annual report 2019. [[https://bildtsaigene.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/jaarferslag-2019-AB.pdf]].))
    * organises language courses for both native and non-native speakers, both in class as well as online;
    * develops multilingual learning materials for primary schools;
    * publishes books;
    * organises the yearly Bildts spelling test and poetry evening.
  * [[http://meertalighyd.nl/|Kemissy Meertalighyd]], was part of the umbrella organisation of Stichting Bildts Aigene since 2015, but not anymore.((Bildts Aigene. (2020). //Jaarverslag 2019// [Annual report 2019. [[https://bildtsaigene.nl/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/jaarferslag-2019-AB.pdf]].)) The committee provides multilingual materials as well as information on multilingualism, and collaborates with [[https://www.cedinonderwijs.nl/themas/meertalig-onderwijs/|Cedin’s Centre for Multilingualism]]. The materials of Kemmissy Meertalighyd are aimed at teachers in the municipality Waadhoeke. 
  * [[https://www.cedinonderwijs.nl/meertalig-onderwijs-cursussen/|Cedin’s Centre for Multilingualism]], an educational organisation which supports schools in Fryslân to embed multilingualism within education. 
  * [[https://afuk.frl/|Afûk]], an organisation for Frisian edcucation, developer of educational materials and a publishing house. Afûk also develops materials in Bildts for regular activities.  
==== Educational materials ====

Educational materials are made by a several organisations (mentioned above): //Bildts Aigene//, //Kemissy Meertalighyd//, //Cedin Taalsintrum Frysk// and various initiatives, often in cooperation and/or published by //De Bildtse Boekerij/BildtTaal// or //Afûk//.
\\ \\ 
The province of Fryslân and municipality has financially supported the production of pre-school and primary school educational materials in Bildts((Deputearre Steaten fan Fryslân. (2018). //Moasje 1141, erkenning Biltsk// [Motion 1141, recognition Bildts]. [[https://cms.fnp.frl/cms/bijlagen/20180313_Brief_DS_Moasje_1141_erkenning_Biltsk.pdf]].))((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)). Almost all materials are made available online for free by //Bildts Aigene// and //Kemissy Meertalighyd//.

=== Pre-school ===

For pre-school, the Frisian series //Tomke// has been translated to Bildts, both books as short stories. Tomke is to be read to children aged 2-4 to stimulate the language use. The //Bildtse Post//, the local newspaper (which was published until 2023((Omrop Fryslân. (2023, September 11). It doek falt foar De Nije Bildtse Post: krante kin finansjeel net mear út [The new Bildtse Post will discontinue: the newspaper has financial difficulties. //Omrop Fryslân.// [[https://www.omropfryslan.nl/nl/nieuws/1222258/het-doek-valt-voor-de-nije-bildtse-post-de-krant-kan-financieel-niet-uit]].))), also published a Tomke story every week for a longer period, around 200 in total((Lokaal Nieuwsnet. (August, 29, 2018). Bildtse foorleesferhaaltsys Tomke in de Bildtse Post [Bildts reading stories Tomke in the Bildtse Post]//. Bildtse Post//. [[https://www.bildtsepost.nl/bildtsepost/cultuur/bildtse-foorleesferhaaltsys-tomke-in-de-bildtse-post]].)).

Every September there is a reading campaign in Fryslân, the [[https://lesmarfoar.frl/|Lês mar foar!]] [Reading aloud!]. Every year, a theme is given (connected to the national Reading week theme), and many activities are organised. For toddlers, a //Tomke// book is published with that theme, in Frisian, as well as in Bildts (and other regional languages).

=== Primary school ===

There is one study book made in Bildts for the two highest years of primary scool, which is //Bildtse Taalrotonde//, published by the Komissy Meertalighyd in 2006. It is translated from the Frisian study book //Fryske Taalrotonde//.

Moreover, there are various [[http://meertalighyd.nl/materialen/meertalige-materialen.html|learning materials]] developed by //Komissy Meertalighyd// (in cooperation with //Cedin//):
  * Online materials via [[https://bildts.edufrysk.nl/|Digibildts]]
  * Themed lessons (e.g. food, art, the municipality, astronomy);
  * A series with short stories and accompanying songs about the leading character //Bob de Krôb//;
  * Short stories;
  * Puzzles;
  * Songs (e.g. CD //Speule met Bildts//)

Two primary schools have made own materials to use in class, one school for all levels, the other school for the lower and middle years.((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)) 

During the COVID-19 crisis in 2020, a Bildts colouring and story booklet was published and provided for free for the first three years of primary schools.((Franeker Courant. (May 14, 2020). Kleur- en leesboekje voor leerlingen Bildtse basisscholen [=[Colour and reading book for pupils at Bildts schools]. // Franeker Courant//. [[https://franekercourant.nl/artikel/1103436/kleur-en-leesboekje-voor-leerlingen-bildtse-basisscholen.html ]].))

Materials regarding multilingualism are made as well, which could be used to include Bildts, by organisations and/or initiatives such as [[https://www.inspirerendmeertaligonderwijs.nl/overzicht-projecten|Inspirerend Meertalig Onderwijs]] [Inspriring Multilingual Education]. 

=== Adult education ===

//Bildts Aigene// is the main organisor of Bildts courses for adults, and as such, also offers the online learning environment, [[https://bildts.edufrysk.nl/registreren-keuzescherm|Digibildts]].


==== Financial support ====

The educational activities are financially supported by the municipality, but nonetheless "also exist by the grace of volunteer effort, having allowed this infrastructure to exist cost-effectively"(p.25)((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)).

==== Teacher support ====
According to the 2018 Frisian study on language education, teachers express a need for a specific Bildts didactic teacher course((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)). 
)
\\ \\ Some primary teachers, from four out of the six schools in the former municipality, have attended courses to improve the Bildts language skills. These courses include Bildts for native speakers, Bildts for non-native speakers, or courses on multilingualism. Two schools promote the attandence of such courses, two schools are open for teachers to request the courses ((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)). 


===== Education presence =====

In 2018, the coaltion of the municipality of the Waadhoeke expressed in their agreement to promote multilingualism as wel as promote and preserve the multilingual character of the municipality. For this, a multilingual themed lesson plan should become available for all schools ((Coalitie Waadhoeke: CDA, SAM, FNP. (2018). //Nije grinzen, nije kânsen: Coalitie-akkoord Waadhoeke 2018-2022 CDA, SAM en FNP// [New Borders, New Opportunities: Coalition agreement Waadhoeke 2018-22]. [[https://www.waadhoeke.nl/fileadmin/bestanden/Coalitieakkoord_Waadhoeke_2018-2022.pdf]].)).

====Pre-school education ====

There are several pre-school facilities in the Bildt, where Bildts may be used informally ((Van Sluis, P. (2015). //Seven perspectives on Bildts: The Bildts language status in a European context//. Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/1479608/Mercator_report_Seven_perspectives_on_Bildts_June2015.pdf]].)).

==== Primary education ====

A study on Frisian language education by Varkevisser and Walsweer (2018) included research results on Bildts language education at primary schools in the former municipality Het Bildt((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)). This study showed that Bildts is taught up to one hour a week at five out of eight primary schools (see table 3). Two schools do not teach Bildts, as they are situated in Minnertsga/Minnertsgea, and the third school that does not teach Bildts states the low number of Bildts speaking pupils, which is 1 in 6, as the reason. Out of these eight schools, five have a language policy which include both Frisian and Bildts. The Bildts language classes don't take place at all levels, but mostly take place in the lower levels and are often dependent on the teacher. What is more, three schools also use Bidts as language of instruction (p.135). 

<sub> Table 3. Teaching time for Bildts language education at the 5 schools (marked a-e) (Varkeviseer & Walsweer, 2018, p.132)((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)) 
 </sub>
^ school ^ education at lower levels ^ education a higher levels ^
| a | 15 min per week | - | 
| b | 15 min per week | 15 min per week | 
| c | 30 min per week | 30 min per week | 
| d | 30-45 min per week | occasional study material |
| e | 1 study afternoon | on project basis | 


The Bildts language proficiency is not tested, as adequate means to do so have not been developed.((Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P. (2018). It Bilt. In Varkevisser, N. A. & Walsweer, A. P., //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport taalplan Frysk - Ynventarisaasje nei de stân fan saken oangeande it (fak) Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis// [Actions speak louder than words. Report on the Frisian Language Plan: Inventory of the state of affairs regarding Frisian in primary and secondary education] (pp.128-136). Provinsje Fryslân.)) 


 
==== Adult education ====

Bildts Aigene is the main organisor of Bildts courses for adults, and offers:
  * Bildts for non-native speakers \\ lessons which aims at listening, reading and speaking skills.
  * Bildts for native speakers \\ lessons which also aims at writing skills.
  * Online courses \\ The courses are also offered online. A selection of lessons may be tried for free.


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===== Online learning resources =====

=== Organisations ===

  * [[https://bildtsaigene.nl/|Bildts Aigene]] Organises language courses, also online, has archive on Bildts history. Also has a webshop with Bildts books.
  * [[http://meertalighyd.nl/|Kemissy Meertalighyd]] Develops educational materials and makes them available online.
  * [[https://www.cedincentrummeertaligheid.nl/|Cedin: Centrum Meertaligheid]] Assists and promotes multilingual education in Fryslân. Also develops multilingual educational materials.
  * [[https://afuk.frl/|Afûk]] The Frisian language education organisation, which organises Frisian courses, publishes books and educational materials, has a book store (also online), and promotes multilingualism in Fryslân. 
  * [[https://www.sfbo.nl/|Sintrum Frysktalige Berne-opfang (SFBO)]] Centre for Frisian pre-school education, which promotes multilingual pre-schools in Fryslân.
  * [[https://www.waadhoeke.nl/bildts|Taalplatform Waddenhoek]] A network of language organisations in Waadhoeke, lead by the Coordinator for Multilingualism.


=== Online resources ===

Dictionaries and grammars
  * [[https://www.debildtseboekerij.nl/product/woordeboek-fan-t-bildts-2/https://www.waadhoeke.nl/bildts|Woordeboek fan ‘t Bildts]] Bildts dictionary
  * [[https://www.debildtseboekerij.nl/product/grammatica/|Grammatica van het Bildts]] Bildts grammar

Educational resources for children
  * [[http://meertalighyd.nl/materialen/bildtse-materialen.html|Bildts materials by Kemissy Meertaligheid]] Various materials at primary school level, inculding the series //Bob de Krôb//, short stories and songs, puzzles, and music.
  * [[http://meertalighyd.nl/materialen/meertalige-materialen.html|multilingual educational materials]] Multilingual theme lessons in English, Dutch, Bildts, and Frisian. 
  * [[http://meertalighyd.nl/materialen/gedichten.html|Poems]] Collection of poems
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AFZsjoLZIkE&list=PLcbwhUYCJYZCU4_wj3wdrQB5EFg7j97Yx|Bildts Filmhuus]] Youtube channel, with a playlist for pre-school children with readings of //Tomke//
  *  [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HtQCjXfals0|Bob de Krôb]] Video on one of the stories of the educational series.

Educational materials for adults / in general
  * [[https://bildtsaigene.nl/?page_id=196|Digibildts]] Online course on Bildts. A trial can be done for free.
  * [[https://wikitongues.org/languages/wblu//|Wikitongues]] Videos of native speakers.
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCnAhRoEJRTmnnYQ5oNE91Wg|Bildts Filmhuus]]Youtube channel of Bildts activities, including readings of //Tomke//, the yearly spelling test, and the Bildts poetry evening. 

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