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====== Frisian in the Netherlands ======

[[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/|{{:images:dossier.png?nolink&30|}}]]
<sub>There is also a [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/|Regional Dossier]] (2024) on the Frisian language in education in the Netherlands.</sub>
==== Language designations: ====
  * In the language itself: Frysk
  * [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#ISO 639-3|ISO 639-3]] standard: fry

==== Language vitality: ====
^ [[https://en.wal.unesco.org/languages/western-frisian|UNESCO]] ^ [[https://www.ethnologue.com/language/fry/|Ethnologue]] ^ [[http://www.endangeredlanguages.com/lang/10425|Endangered Languages]] ^  [[https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/west2354|Glottlog]]  ^
| {{ :endangerment:cyan.png?nolink | Potentially vulnerable}} |  {{:endangerment:green.png?nolink|institutional)}}  |  {{:endangerment:cyan.png?nolink|at risk}}  |  {{:endangerment:green.png?nolink|not endangered)}}  | 
<sup> Click [[manual:colour_codes|here]] for a full overview of the language vitality colour codes. </sup>

==== Linguistic aspects: =====
  * Classification: Indo-European → West Germanic →  North Sea Germanic → Anglo-Frisian → Frisian → Western Frisian. See [[http://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/west2354|Frisian]] at [[http://glottolog.org/|Glottolog]] for more information.
  * Script: Latin.

==== Language standardisation: =====

Frisian has a standardised spelling, which is under authority of the Province of Fryslân since 1969. The Province commissions the [[https://www.fryske-akademy.nl/|Fryske Akademy]] to develop and describe the standardised orthography. In 2015, the most recent standardised spelling was adopted by the Province of Fryslan. This, like most changes and regulations of a standardised Frisian spelling, generated a good deal of discussion.((Hoekstra, E. (2003). //Frisian: Standardization in progress of a language in decay.// Fryske Akademy. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/460646/108Stannert.pdf]].))((Wolf, H. (October 13, 2014). //Argyf Standertwurdlist/oanpassing Steatestavering//. Henk Wolf. [[https://www.henkwolf.nl/wp-content/uploads/staveringswiziging_argyf.pdf]].)). 

==Dictionaries==
Several dictionaries are available, such as Dutch-Frisian and Frisian-Dutch dictionaries, a legal dictionary, and a scientific, descriptive dictionary containing ca. 120,000 entries, //Wurdboek fan de Fryske Taal//. The Fryske Akademy has made these dictionaries available online, including language tools to check spelling and grammar and to generate automatic translation, via [[https://frysker.nl/|Frysker]] (Eng: more Frisian).

==Historical development==
There have been various formulations of standardised spellings:((Hoekstra, E. (2003). //Frisian: Standardization in progress of a language in decay.// Fryske Akademy. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/ws/portalfiles/portal/460646/108Stannert.pdf]].))((Oppewal, T., Gezelle-Meerburg, B. Krol, J., Steenmeijer-Wielinga, T., Vries. O., Breuker, P., Wind, H., Veenbaas, J., Oldenhof, B., Van der Weg, J.(2006). //Zolang de wind van de wolken waait: Geschiedenis van de Friese literatuur.// Uitgeverij Bert Bakker.))

  * Old-Frisian (c. 1200-1550): Old Frisian shows shared norms and spelling, though no grammars or dictionaries codified these.
  * Mid-Frisian (1550-1800): Gysbert Japicx (1603–1666) was a Frisian author who formed his own spelling. His writing influenced future orthographies. 
  * Modern-Frisian (1800-now): There have been several suggested spelling formats, for example: The Brothers Joast Hiddes Halbertsma (1789-1869) and Eeltsje Hiddes Halbertsma (1797-1858) published in Frisian and in doing so, formed a spelling close to the vernacular (similar to Gysbert Japicx). Harmen Sytstra (1817-1862) developed the //Iduna-stavering//, based on Old-Frisian. In 1879, a broadly adopted standerd was set by the //Selscip  foar  Frysce  Taal  in  Skriftekennise// (Society for Frisian Language and Literature), which adopted an standard orthography (similar to the orthography of the Halbertsma brothers). Waling Dykstra (1821–1914) compiled the first completed Frisian dictionaries (1900,  1903, 1911). In 1945, the //Fryske Akademy// develops a standardised spelling. In 1980, the Province of Fryslân adopted a new standardised spelling, that was developed and described by the //Fryske Akademy//. The current spelling was adopted in 2015. 







===== Demographics =====

==== Language Area ====

Frisian is part of the Frisian language family, devided into Western Frisian (Frisian) in the Netherlands, and East Frisian and North Frisian in Germany.  
Frisian is spoken in large parts of the province of Fryslân, one of the twelve provinces of the Netherlands (see figure 1 and 2).

Within the province, three main varieties of Frisian can be distinguished((De Jong, G. & Hoekstra, E. (2015). //A general introduction to Frisian//. Taalportaal. [[https://www.taalportaal.org/taalportaal/topic/pid/topic-14225224491227143]].)):
  * Clay Frisian, //Klaaifrysk//
  * Forest Frisian, //Wâldfrysk//
  * Southwestern variety, //Súdwesthoeksk//
In figure 2, the varieties are shown on the map with the Dutch names (//Kleifries// for Clay Frisian, //Woudfries// for Forest Frisian, and //Zuidwesthoeks// for the Southwestern variety). There is mutual intelligibility between the varieties. The standard spelling is mainly based on Clay Frisian((De Jong, G. & Hoekstra, E. (2015). //A general introduction to Frisian//. Taalportaal. [[https://www.taalportaal.org/taalportaal/topic/pid/topic-14225224491227143]].)).

<olmap id="language_map" width="300px" height="300px" zoom="5" lat="53.14" lon="5.86" statusbar="1" toolbar="1" controls="1" poihoverstyle="1" baselyr="OpenStreetMap" summary="Europe"> 
53.14, 5.86,0,.8,marker-blue.png, [[https://wiki.mercator-research.eu/start]] 
</olmap> <sup> Figure 1. Map showing the central point for the Frisian language area. The coordinate data were retrieved from Glottolog((Glottolog. n.d. Family: Modern West Frisian. //Glottolog//. Retrieved October 21, 2024, from [[https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/mode12643]].)). </sup>

{{:languages:taalsituatie_noord-nederland.png?nolink&600|map showing languages areas in the North of the Netherlands}}
\\
<sup>Figure 2: Map showing languages ares in the North of the Netherlands. The Frisian language area is shown in blue. Also shown on the map within Fryslân are Stellingwerfs (a Low Saxon variety, in green), Bildts (in orange), mixed varietes (striped areas), Hollandic language areas (in pink)((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 around 450,000 Frisian speakers((De Jong, G. & Hoekstra, E. (2015). //A general introduction to Frisian//. Taalportaal. [[https://www.taalportaal.org/taalportaal/topic/pid/topic-14225224491227143]].)). Periodic surveys on Frisian language skills among citizens in the province of Fryslân are made available by the Fryske Akademy and Provincial Government of Fryslân.


=== Language skills ===

The periodic surveys give an indication for Frisian language skills within the province of Fryslân. In table 1, the percentages of people who mark their Frisian language skills to be good or very good are shown.  


^survey ^Can understand ^ Can speak ^ Can read ^ Can write ^
| 2015((Provinsje Fryslân. (2015). //Fryske Taalatlas 2015//[Frisian Language Atlas 2015]. Provinsje Fryslân.[[http://afuk.frl/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/012015-taalatlas-frysk-1e-druk.pdf]]))| 94%* | 67% | 52% | 15%|
| 2018((Klinkenberg, E. L., Stefan, M. H., & Jonkman, R. J. (2018). //Taal yn Fryslân. De folgjende generaasje //[Language in Friesland. The next generation]. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://pure.knaw.nl/portal/nl/publications/taal-yn-frysl%C3%A2n-de-folgjende-generaasje-2018]].)) | 89% | 69% | 58% | 18% | 
| 2020((Provinsje Fryslân. (2020). //Fryske Taalatlas 2020// [Frisian Language Atlas 2020]. Provinsje Fryslân.[[https://www.fryslan.frl/_flysystem/media/Fryske%20Taalatlas%202020%20%28Nederlands%29.pdf]])) | 84% | 64% | 52% | 16% |
<sup>Table 1. People in Fryslân (in %) who mark their Frisian language skills to be good or very good. *this percentage also includes the people who indicated to understand the language reasonably well, .</sup>
 

----

====== Language education ======

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

Frisian education in Fryslân has been allowed at primary level since 1907, and more and more legal possibilities, as well as obligations, have been realised since then. Major developments happened in 1980, when Frisian became a compulsory subject in all years of primary education, in 1993, when Frisian became a compulsory subject in the first (two) years of secondary education, and 1998, when the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages went into force, with concrete provisions for Frisian in pre-school education, primary education, secondary education, higher education, and adult education((Ytsma, J. & Riemersma, A. (2007). //Frisian: The Frisian Language in Education in the Netherlands 4th Edition//. Mercator Research Centre. Retrieved from [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/]].))((Council of Europe. (2024, October 17). Chart of signatures and ratifications of Treaty 148. //Treaty Office//. [[https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=signatures-by-treaty&treatynum=148]].))((Council of Europe. (2024, October 17). Reservations and Declarations for Treaty No.148 - European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ETS No. 148). //Treaty Office//. [[https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/concerning-a-given-treaty?module=declarations-by-treaty&territoires=&codeNature=0&codePays=&numSte=148&enVigueur=true&ddateDebut=05-05-1949]].)). 

Regarding primary education, the Frisian language made its debut in the Dutch school system in 1907, when the province of Fryslân started to offer grants to support Frisian lessons after school hours in primary education. In 1937, the Netherlands adopted legislative measures that made it possible for Frisian to be included during Dutch classes, within school hours. This was extended to include Frisian as an optional subject and bilingual instruction (Dutch-Frisian) in 1955, though nine primary schools had already started an experiment with bilingual education in 1950. A major change for Frisian occurred with the Primary Education Act from 1974, which made Frisian a compulsory subject in primary school from 1980 onwards. In 1997, experiments with trilingual education (Frisian, Dutch, English) began((Ytsma, J. & Riemersma, A. (2007). //Frisian: The Frisian Language in Education in the Netherlands 4th Edition//. Mercator Research Centre. Retrieved from [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/]].)).

In 1948, a legal amendment made it possible to teach Frisian as optional subject in secondary education, after consent of the Minister of Education. This was extended when Frisian was allowed to be taught optional subject starting in 1968, and as examination subject from 1970 onwards. In 1993, Frisian became a compulsory subject in the lower grades (effectively the first two years) of secondary education((Ytsma, J. & Riemersma, A. (2007). //Frisian: The Frisian Language in Education in the Netherlands 4th Edition//. Mercator Research Centre. Retrieved from [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/]].)).

For both primary and secondary education, attainment targets for compulsory subjects are determined at national level. For Frisian in primary education, twelve attainment targets, mirrored to the Dutch attainment targets, were established in 1993. In 2006, these attainment targets for primary education were lowered to six and mirrored to English, and attainment targets for secondary education (lower grades) were established as well((Ytsma, J. & Riemersma, A. (2007). //Frisian: The Frisian Language in Education in the Netherlands 4th Edition//. Mercator Research Centre. Retrieved from [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/]].))((Bayat, Z., Kircher, R., & Van de Velde, H. (2022). Minority language rights to education in international, regional, and domestic regulations and practices: the case of Frisian in the Netherlands. //Current Issues in Language Planning,// 24(1), 81–101. [[https://doi.org/10.1080/14664208.2022.2037291.]].)) 

Though Frisian ought to be taught as compulsory subject in both primary and secondary schools, not all schools do so. In 2018, 113 out of 412 (27.4%) primary schools in Fryslân, and 28 out of 71 (39.4%) secondary schools implemented all attainment targets((Varkevisser, N.A. & Waslweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk//. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].)). To improve this, the province of Fryslân has initiated //Taalplan Frysk 2030// (Language Plan 2030), a policy plan which aims to have all schools implement the legally set attainment targets by 2030((Taalplan Frysk. Dit is TF2030. //Taalplan//. [[https://taalplan.frl/oer-tf2030/dit-is-tf2030/]].))

===== Legislation of language education: =====
==== Legistlation at European level ====

=== European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages ===

The Netherlands has [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Signature of a treaty|signed]] and [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Ratification of a treaty|ratified]] the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages]]. 
  * Frisian is covered under [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Part III of the European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|Part III]] of the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|Charter for Regional and Minority Languages]].
  * The Netherlands has ratified concrete provisions for Frisian in pre-school education, primary education, secondary education, higher education, and adult education((Council of Europe. (2024, October 17). Chart of signatures and ratifications of Treaty 148. //Treaty Office//. [[https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/full-list?module=signatures-by-treaty&treatynum=148]].))((Council of Europe. (2024, October 17). Reservations and Declarations for Treaty No.148 European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ETS No. 148). //Treaty Office//. [[https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/concerning-a-given-treaty?module=declarations-by-treaty&territoires=&codeNature=0&codePays=&numSte=148&enVigueur=true&ddateDebut=05-05-1949]].))
  * In the all evaluation reports, the Committee of Experts has recommended the Dutch government to improve Frisian education at all levels((Scarse, Y. (2024). De ymplemintaasje fan it Europeesk Hânfêst foar Regionale of Minderheidstalen yn Nederlân: in update n.o.f. de sânde rapportaazjesyklus [The implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: an update after the seventh monitoring cyclus]. Orgaan foar de Fryske taal DINGtiid. [[https://dingtiid.frl/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/De_ymplemintaasje_fan_it_Europeesk_Hanfest_feb2024.pdf]].))
  * The Netherlands has not ratified provisions for Frisian in vocational education, but the Committee of Experts has recommended to do so in the [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930|seventh evaluation report]]((Scarse, Y. (2024). De ymplemintaasje fan it Europeesk Hânfêst foar Regionale of Minderheidstalen yn Nederlân: in update n.o.f. de sânde rapportaazjesyklus [The implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: an update after the seventh monitoring cyclus]. Orgaan foar de Fryske taal DINGtiid. [[https://dingtiid.frl/wp-content/uploads/2024/04/De_ymplemintaasje_fan_it_Europeesk_Hanfest_feb2024.pdf]].))

=== Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ===

The Netherlands has [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Signature of a treaty|signed]] and [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Ratification of a treaty|ratified]] the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities|Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities]]
  * Frisian is recognised as national minority in the Netherlands.
  * In the [[https://rm.coe.int/4th-op-netherlands-en/1680ac509f|fourth Opinion]] (2023), the Advisory Committe made the recommendation to take measuers to ensure sufficient finances, tackle the shortage of teachers, and support the Education Inspectorate to monitor Frisian in education. 

==== Legislation at national level ====

Frisian as official language in Fryslân, as well as linguistic rights to use Frisian within judicial and governmental bodies were consolidated in the Use of Frisian Act of 2014 (Dutch: [[http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0034047/2014-01-01|Wet Gebruik Friese Taal 2014]]). This Act states that, e.g.: 
  * Frisian and Dutch are [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Official language:|official languages]] in the province of Fryslân, the Netherlands;
  * Frisian can be used in/with governmental bodies and administrative authorities in Fryslân;
  * Frisian can be used with judicial authorities / in court by citizens of Fryslân;
  * An Advisory Body for the Frisian language is installed and is responsible to, e.g. promote the Frisian language, and advice national and provincial governments regarding the compliance with the Act and the European Charter for Regional and Minority Languages.


Acts regarding Education are made at national level in the Netherlands. 

**pre-school education**

The Dutch law for pre-school education (Dutch: [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017017/2023-01-01/0|Wet Kinderopvang ]] allows for Frisian to be used as medium of instruction, alongside Dutch. 

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 eduation**

The Dutch law on primary education (Dutch: [[http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003420/2016-08-01|Wet op het Primair Onderwijs]]) states that:
  * In primary education, classes are also taught in Frisian (in addition to Dutch and English);
  * Schools may request exemption from this, for which the authority lies with the Provincial Government of Fryslân.
  * The Provincial Government of Fryslân prescribes attainment targets for Frisian (to be approved by Minister of Education).

**secondary education**
The Dutch law on secondary education (Dutch: [[http://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0002399/2016-08-01|Wet op het Voortgezet Onderwijs]]) states that:
  * During the first two years of secondary education in the province of Fryslân, Frisian language and culture are part of the curriculum. 
  * Schools may request exemption from this, for which the authority lies with the Provincial Government of Fryslân.
  * The Provincial Government of Fryslân prescribes attainment targets for Frisian (to be approved by Minister of Education).

**vocational and higher education**
The Dutch law on vocational education (Dutch: [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0007625/2023-01-01 |Wet educatie en beroepsonderwijs]]) and on higher education (Dutch: [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0005682/2023-01-01/0 |Wet op het Hoger Onderwijs en Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek]] state that a language other than Dutch may be used when it is taught.



==== Legislation and policy at provincial level ====

Every four years, according to the [[languages:frisian_in_the_netherlands#National legislation:|Wet Gebruik Friese Taal]], the province of Fryslân and the Dutch government sign a covenant regarding the Frisian language. This covenant on Frisian Language and Culture (Frisian: Bestjoersôfspraak Fryske Taal en Kultuer. In short: BFTK) includes agreements to implement Frisian in education at all levels. The current [[https://www.fryslan.frl/bestjoersofspraak-fryske-taal-en-kultuer|BFTK]] spans the period of 2024-2028.

Though provinces in the Netherlands do not have legislative power regarding education, the Provincial Government of Fryslân is unique, as the primary initaitve to develop Frisian attainment targets lies with the province, and the province has the authority to exempt schools from certain attainment targets set for Frisian education((Varkevisser, N.A. & Walsweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk//. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].))((Bayat, Z., Kircher, R., & Van de Velde, H. (2022). Minority language rights to education in international, regional, and domestic regulations and practices: the case of Frisian in the Netherlands. //Current Issues in Language Planning,// 24(1), 81–101. [[https://doi.org/10.1080/14664208.2022.2037291.]].)). The national Inspectorate however, reported that these exemptions reduce the ambitions of schools for Frisian education((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). 

In 2019, the provincial government of Fryslân launched //Taalplan Frysk 2030// (Language Plan 2030), a policy plan which aims to have all schools implement the legally set attainment targets by 2030((Taalplan Frysk. Dit is TF2030. //Taalplan//. [[https://taalplan.frl/oer-tf2030/dit-is-tf2030/]].))

===== Support structure for education of the language =====

==== Training and support for teachers ====

=== Teacher training ===
For pre-school education, the organisation [[https://sfbo.nl/|SFBO]] (Sintrum Frysktalige berne-opfang - Centre of Frisian language day care) organises in-service training courses with emphasis on Frisian and multilingualism.

Teacher training for primary and secondary education is available in Fryslân at the [[https://www.nhlstenden.com/|NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences]]. A Frisian language course is part of the curriculum for primary teacher students. For secondary teacher students, a degree for Frisian is available (for both lower grades and higher grades). Seconadary teacher training for the higher grades is also available at the University of Groningen ((Ytsma, J. & Riemersma, A. (2007). //Frisian: The Frisian Language in Education in the Netherlands 4th Edition//. Mercator Research Centre. Retrieved from [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/]].)).

=== Teacher support ===
Frisian language teachers can attend in-service training and support or advise via e.g. educational support centre Cedin, NHL Stenden NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences, or the Frisian language teacher interest group [[https://levendetalen.nl/talensecties/sectie-fries/|Levende Talen]]. 

==== Learning materials ====

There are many teaching materials for various education levels, from pre-school education to higher education. Most learning materials for primary and secondary education are commissioned and subsidised by the provincial government of Fryslân. The past few years digital materials have been developed as well. Materials are mainly being developed mainly by [[http://afuk.frl/|Afûk]] and [[https://www.cedin.nl/|Cedin]]. Many materials are collected in the database of //[[https://taalplan.frl/oanbod/|Taalplan Frysk]]//, which can be sorted into educational levels.  

Reading in Frisian is promoted via e.g. the //[[https://berneboekeambassadeur.frl/|Berneboeke-ambassadeur]]//, an ambassador for children books who visits schools, the //Fryske berneboekewike// (week of the Frisian children's books), and/or the //[[https://lesmarfoar.frl/|lês-mar-foar-wiken]]// (read aloud weeks) every September.


===pre-school education===

The [[http://www.tomke.nl/|Tomke-project]], set up in 1996 by several institutes, is a popular resource for Frisian, and includes stories, rhymes, songs, and games for preschoolers. All concern a Frisian preschooler named Tomke. A questionnaire (November 2013 - March 2014) among preschool group leaders revealed that 81% used materials from the Tomke project on a daily basis ((Varkevisser, N. (2014). //Tomke inventarisatie-onderzoek// [survey regarding Tomke]. Afûk. [[https://backend.tomke.nl/storage/file/rapport-tomke-inventarisatie-onderzoek-2014.pdf]].))

===primary education===

For primary education, there is the digital Frisian learning method //Spoar 8// (track 8), which is used by the majority of primary schools((Varkevisser, N. A., Visser, F., Walsweer, A. (2023). //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: 1-mjitting primêr ûnderwiis// [Less talk, more action: 1-measurement primary education]. Provinsje Fryslân.)). It has learning activities (e.g. thematic lessons, projects, reading activities) for all primary school years.

//[[https://keimpe.frl/|Keimpe de Krokodil]]// (Keimpe the crocodile) promotes reading among primary school children aged 4-8 years. Activities are included in //Spoar 8.//

===secondary education===

For secondary education, there is also a digital Frisian learning method, //Searje 36// (Series 36). It has many resources for the first year, but also has activities for the higher years (including the final, exam classes), which is used by the majority of secondary schools which teach Frisian ((Varkevisser, N. A., Visser, F., Walsweer, A., Sjoerdstra, W.(2023). //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: 1-mjitting fuortset ûnderwiis// [Less talk, more action: 1-measurement secondar education]. Provinsje Fryslân.)). 

===vocational education===
The project //wy binne mbu// is the main initiator for the development of Frisian teaching materials for vocational education. These include multilingual reading materials, //[[https://wybinnembu.frl/lesmateriaal/bookzines/|bookzines]]//, practical assignments, and language learning activities.

===adult education===
There are various course books, developed by the Afûk, for adult education. 
==== Inspection of compliance with educational legislation ====

The [[http://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/english|inspectorate]] (Inspectie van het Onderwijs) inspects Frisian primary and secondary language education every few years. The latest [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs|report]] was published in 2019.
==== Financial support ====

Schools in Fryslân do not receive more structural funding from the Dutch Government than schools in other provinces, and the Frisian provincial government is the main body which finances and organises the Frisian teacher training ((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). . In 2020, the Dutch national government provided €174,000 for basic facilities for Frisian, and the Frisian provincial government structually provided €178,000 for Frisian classes as well as temporary subsidies ((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019). //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Frysk yn it primêr en fuortset ûnderwiis.//. Retrieved from [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). In light of [[languages:frisian_in_the_netherlands#Provincial legislation:|Taalplan Frysk 2030]], both Dutch and Frisian governments contribute to Frisian primary and secondary school materials ((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). 


===== Education in practice =====

In its last report (2022) of the Committee of Experts on the Charter on Frisian language education in the Netherlands, the committee regarded the implementation of the ratified provisions for Frisian education as "partly fulfilled" regarding pre-school, secondary, and higher education, and "not fulfilled" regarding primary edcuation((Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022). Seventh Evaluation Report on the Netherlands. Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Council of Europe.[[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)). 

A new [[https://kurrikulum.frl/nl/|curriculum]] with defined attainment targets for Frisian is in development((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). 


==== Preschool ====
Nowadays, around two-thirds of pre-school locations in Fryslân are bilingual((Sintrum Frysktalige Berne-opfang. (n.d.). Algemien [General].  Retrieved Octover 12, 2024, from [[https://www.sfbo.nl/frl/algemien]].)). These locations receive guidance from the [[http://www.sfbo.nl/nederlands/|SFBO]]. However,  the supply is still lower than the demand, and the accessibilty differs per region ((Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022). Seventh Evaluation Report on the Netherlands. Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Council of Europe.[[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)). 


==== Primary education ====

Below in table 2 is an overview of the primary schools (N=412) in Fryslân in 2018, and the exemptions for attainment targets given by the Province, with profile A reflecting a school without any exemptions, and profile G with exemptions for all attainment targets((Varkevisser, N.A. & Waslweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk//. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].))((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). Exemptions are possible for writing, reading, language perception, speaking, listening, and attitude.

^ schools ^ language profile ^ exemption for which attainment targets ^
| 113 | A | - |
| 83 | B | writing |
| 91 | C | writing and reading |
| 6 | D | writing, reading, language perception |
| 52 | E | writing, reading, language perception, speaking |
| 46 | F | writing, reading, language perception, speaking, listening |
| 21 | G | everything* |
<sub>Table 2. An overview of primary schools in 2018, and the given profiles to reflect the implemented attainment targets (p.36)((Varkevisser, N.A. & Waslweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk//. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].)). </sub>\\ 
<sub>* These are mostly the schools outside of the Frisian language area: the Wadden Islands and the Stellingwerven</sub>

=== Teacher qualification===

According to the Inspectorate, 34,9% of the primary teachers has no qualification to teach Frisian ((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)). 


=== Trilingual primary education ===
To improve Frisian language education in primary school, an experiment with trilingual education, set up by the Fryske Akademy, started in 1997: seven primary schools committed themselves to use Frisian and English also as mediums of instruction, alongside Dutch.((Inspectie van het Onderwijs (2010)[[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/binaries/onderwijsinspectie/documenten/rapporten/2010/11/24/tussen-wens-en-werkelijkheid/Tussen+wens+en+werkelijkheid.pdf/|Tussen wens en werkelijkheid]])).

In 2016 73, out of 428 primary schools (17%), were included in the "trilingual network". However, only 30 of those were at the time officially certified. The degree to which Frisian is used as language of instruction varies among schools. Estimates vary between 1.25-3.5 hours per week and 10-25% of the time ((European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, [[https://search.coe.int/cm/Pages/result_details.aspx?ObjectId=09000016806b7598#_Toc456345386|
Fifth report of the Committee of Experts in respect of the Netherlands, 2016]])). In 2018, there were 59 trilingual primary schools (17%) in Fryslân, that use Dutch, Frisian, and English as medium of instruction((Varkevisser, N.A. & Waslweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk//. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].)).

==== Secondary education ====
Table 3 shows an overview of the secondary schools (N=71) in Fryslân in 2018, and the exemptions for attainment targets given by the Province, with profile A reflecting a school without any exemptions, and profile D with exemptions for all attainment targets((Varkevisser, N.A. & Walsweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk// [Less talk, more action:report language Plan Frisian]. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].))((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)).

^ schools ^ language profile ^ 
| 28 | A | 
| 14 | B | 
| 11 | C1 | 
| 13 | C2| 
| 5 | D | 

<sub>Table 3. An overview of seconadry schools in 2018, and the given profiles to reflect the implemented attainment targets (p.166)((Varkevisser, N.A. & Walsweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk// [Less talk, more action:report language Plan Frisian]. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].)). </sub>\\ 
<sub>* These are schools outside of the Frisian language area: the Wadden Islands and the Stellingwerven</sub>
 

=== Teacher qualification ===
According to the report of the Inespectorate (2019), 22% of the teachers had no qualification to teach Frisian ((Inspectie van het Onderwijs. (2019).  //Sizzen is neat, mar dwaan is in ding: Fries in het primair en voortgezet onderwijs.// [Less talk, more action: Frisian in primary and secondary education]. [[https://www.onderwijsinspectie.nl/documenten/themarapporten/2019/12/05/fries-in-het-primair-en-voortgezet-onderwijs]].)).
 
=== Trilingual secondary education ===
In 2018, six secondary schools offered trilingual education((Varkevisser, N.A. & Walsweer, A. //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: rapport Taalplan Frysk// [Less talk, more action:report language Plan Frisian]. Provinsje Fryslân. [[https://taalplan.frl/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/Rapport-I-tis-mei-sizzen-net-te-dwaan-Taalplan-Frysk-2030-FRL.pdf]].)). In 2021, there were five secondary schools with multilingual education, under the new concept of //Taalryk// (rich in language)((Varkevisser, N.A., Visser, F., Walsweer, A. & Sjoerdstra, W. (2023). //It is mei sizzen net te dwaan: 1-mjitting fuortset ûnderwiis// [Less talk, more action: 1-measurement secondary education]. Provinsje Fryslân.)).


==== Vocational education ====

The majority of students in Fryslân attendvocational education((Hoekstra, S. (2025, March 3). //Onderwijs in Fryslân// [Education in Fryslân]. Planbureau Fryslân. [[https://www.planbureaufryslan.nl/monitoren/onderwijs/]].)). Frisian isn 't a compulsory subject in vocational education, and the Netherlands has not ratified provisions for Frisian in vocational education via the ECRML. In 2022, the Committee of Experts advised to ratify this article (Article 8.1.d)((Committee of Experts of the European Charter
for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022. November). Seventh Evaluation Report on the Netherlands. Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)).
In 2023 and in 2025, DINGtiid (the Frisian advisory body for the Dutch national government and Frisian provincial government) echoed this, and advised the Netherlands to ratify this article((DINGtiid. (2025, July). //Oan it wurk mei it Frysk: Advysrapport oangeande de posysje en fuortsterking fan it Frysk yn it middelber beropsûnderwiis// [Let's work with Frisian: Advisory report on the position and the strengthening of Frisian in vocational education]. DINGtiid.[[https://dingtiid.frl/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/2025-DINGtiid-advys-Oan-it-wurk-mei-it-Frysk-Advysrapport-oangeande-de-posysje-en-fuortsterking-fan-it-Frysk-yn-it-middelber-beropsunderwiis.pdf]].)).

[[https://wybinnembu.frl/|Wy binne mbû]] (We are vocational education) started in 2021. This project is an initiative of //Taalplan Frysk 2030// (Language Plan Frysk 2030),and the three main partners are the two major vocational education institutes in Fryslân, Firda and Aeres, and Afûk. The project aims to promote Frisian within vocational education, and aims to have language awareness and language attitudes be included in the curriculum of schools in Fryslân. It does so by creating teaching materials, practical assignments, and reading materials, and by supporting teachers, e.g. with thematic days and seminars.


==== Higher education ====

===university of applied sciences & teacher training===

In Fryslân, it is possible to attend the Frisian teacher training at the NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences in Ljouwert/Leeuwarden. Here, pre-service teachers for secondary education are taught, both for the lower grades and higher grades of seccondary education. NHL Stenden also is the only university of applied sciences to offer the minor Frisian, for 30 ECTS credits. The minor consists of three modules with two or more courses each, namely 1)language skills; 2)linguistics, and 3)fiction & culture ((NHL Stenden Hogeschool. (n.d.). //Fries// (frisian). NHL Stenden Hogeschool. Retrieved July 15, 2025, from [[https://www.nhlstenden.com/minoren/fries]].)).     

=== university===

=== bachelor degree progammes ===
Outside of the province, the University of Groningen has a Frisian language and culture department. Before, there was a full bachelor degree programme in Frisian Language and
Culture. However, this programme was discontinued in 2012, and replaced by a Frisian track of 60 ECTS credits within the bachelor degree programme Minorities and Multilingualism, which started in 2013. The bachelor Minorities and Multilingualism will be discontinued, however, in 2026/2027 ((University of Groningen (n.d.). //Minorities & Multilingualism//. [[https://www.rug.nl/bachelors/minorities-multilingualism/]].)). \\ 
In the BFTK 2024-2028 covenant, plans are described to re-establish a bachelor degree programme for Frisian((Bestjoersôfspraak Fryske taal en kultuer 2024-2028 [Covenant on Frisian Language and Culture 2024-2028].  (2024, April 2). [[https://cuatro.sim-cdn.nl/fryslan/uploads/bestuursafspraak_fries_taal_en_cultuur_2talig.pdf?cb=1PADP9sK]].)). As a result of this BFTK 2024-2028, a covenant //Konvenant oangeande de gearwurking tusken it Ministearje fan Underwiis, Kultuer en Wittenskip, it Ministearje fan Ynlânske Saken en Keninkryksrelaasjes, Provinsje Fryslân en de Ryksuniversiteit Grins foar de organisaasje, befoardering en it yn stân hâlden fan in folweardich, duorsum en tagonklik wittenskiplik bachelorprogramma Fryske taal en kultuer// (English: Covenant  regarding the cooperation between the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science, the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations, the Provincial government of Fryslân, the University of Groningen for the organisation, promotion and maintenance of a full-fledged, sustainable and accessible scientific bachelor degree programme in Frisian language and culture) was signed on July 10, 2025. In september 2026, the first students can start with this new Frisian bachelor degree programme ((redaksje Frisistyk. (2025, July 10). //Fan 2026 ôf nij bachelorprogramma Frysk yn Grins// [New Frisian bachelor degree program in Groningen from 2026 onwards]. Frisistyk: online tydskrift foar taal- en letterkkunde. [[https://neerlandistiek.nl/2025/07/fan-2026-of-nij-bachelorprogramma-frysk-yn-grins/]].)). 

=== master degree programmes ===

For master degree progammes, it is possible to attend the educational programme for Frisian (to teach in the higher grades of secondary education) or Multilingualism, and focus on Frisian during the programme, at the Campus Fryslân (faculty of the University of Groningen in th eprovince of Fryslân).

=== chairs ===

The Chair //Fryske Taal en Kultuer// (Frisian language and culture) is held by interim professor Arjen Versloot since February 2023, after the previous professor retired in December 2022 ((Omrop Fryslân. (2023, February 8). //Arjen Versloot oansteld as ynterim heechlearaar Frysk yn Grins// [Arjen Versloot appointed a interim professor for Frisian in Groningen]. Omrop Fryslân. [[https://www.omropfryslan.nl/fy/nijs/1195225/arjen-versloot-oansteld-as-ynterim-heechlearaar-frysk-yn-grins]].)).
 Some Frisian courses are also offered at the University of Amsterdam, where there is a chair for //Germaanse taalkunde, in het bijzonder de Duitse, Scandinavische en Friese talen// (English:Germanic linguistics, especially German, Scandinavian and Frisian languages), held by prof. Arjen Versloot. The chair //Sociolinguïstiek, met bijzondere aandacht voor de taalsituatie in Fryslân// (English: Sociolinguistics, with particular attention to the language situation in Fryslân) at the University of Utrecht is held by prof. Hans van de Velde. Finally, at the Christian-Albrecht University, Kiel (Germany), a Frisian bachelor and master degree are available (with the focus on North Frisian), with a chair for //Frisistik//, Frisian studies. 


==== Adult education ====

The [[http://afuk.frl/|Afûk]] is the most well-known provider of Frisian language courses for adults. It has courses regarding listening, speaking, writing skills, but also provides courses aimed at specific target groups, such as health care workers, or international attendees.



===== Learning resources and educational institutions =====

=== Dictionaries and grammars ===
  * [[http://frysker.nl/|Frysker]]: includes dictionaries and Frisian language tools. Made by the Fryske Akademy

=== General and open resources ===
  * [[http://frysker.nl/|Frysker]]: includes dictionaries and Frisian language tools. Made by the Fryske Akademy
  * [[https://taalplan.frl/nl/aanbod/|overview]]. A general overview ow learning materials, provided by Taalplan Frysk
  * [[https://frisianmooc.com/|Frisian MOOC]]: mass open online course made by de Fryske Akademy and Afûk.
  * [[https://www.futurelearn.com/courses/frisian|Frisian MOOC]] mass open online course made by de University of Groningen.
  * [[http://edufrysk.nl/|Edufrysk]] online learning environment for Frisian

===Institutes and organisations===
  * [[http://afuk.frl/|Afûk]]. The Afûk is the main provider for language courses, but also publishes Frisian literature and implements language awareness.
  * [[https://www.cedinonderwijs.nl/|Cedin]]. Cedin provides educational support, and offers in-service teacher training courses.
  * [[http://www.fryske-akademy.nl/|Fryske Akademy]]. The Fryske Akademy conducts, shares and facilitates scientific research on the Frisian case. It is the main provider for Frisian dictionaries.
  * [[https://www.nhlstenden.com/|NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences]]. NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences provides Frisian teacher education, and primary teacher education in Fryslân. 
   * [[http://www.omropfryslan.nl/|Omrop Fryslân]]. The Frisian public broadcaster. It provides Frisian news, radio and TV, as well as educational programmes.
   * [[https://sfbo.nl/|SFBO]]. SFBO provides educational support for pre-school education.
   * [[https://www.tresoar.nl/|Tresoar]]. The Frisian historic and linguistic centre and library.



=== Educational materials for preschool ===
  * [[http://www.tomke.nl/|The Tomke project]], started by [[http://afuk.frl/|Afûk]] in 1997 to stimulate Frisian language development in preschoolers. Tomke is a small Frisian boy that appears in tv adventures, books and a website.
  *  [[https://itunes.apple.com/nl/app/lytskes/id876321717?mt=8/|Lytskes]], iPad app by  [[http://afuk.frl/|Afûk]].
  * [[https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=nl.afuk.hantsjesynehichte&hl=nl|Hantsjes yn 'e hichte]], iPad app by [[http://afuk.frl/|Afûk]].

=== Educational material for primary education ===
  * [[http://www.studiof.nl/|Studio F]]: a Frisian language teaching method. Their digital learning environment can be viewed online.
  * [[http://www.skoal.tv/|SkoalTV]]: Frisian School TV
  * [[https://www.lezenvoordelijst.nl/fries/|Lezen voor de lijst]]: list with books sorted on level with information and assignments for both student and teacher. 

=== Educational material for secondary education ===
  * [[https://searje36.edufrysk.nl/inloggen|Searje 36]]: digital learning method to learn Frisian in the first year of secondary education.
  * [[http://www.linkk.tv/|Linkk]]: Frisian magazine and television.

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====== Mercator's Regional Dossier ======

[[:regional_dossiers:dossier_frisian_in_the_netherlands|{{:images:dossier.png?nolink|}}]][[https://www.mercator-research.eu/en/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/|Read more]] about Frisian language education in Mercator's Regional Dossier (2024).