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====== Limburgish in the Netherlands ======

==== Language designations: ====
  * In the language itself: Limburgs, Limbörgs, Lèmburgs. In English also known as Limburgan.
  * [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#ISO 639-3|ISO 639-3]] standard: lim
==== Language vitality according to: ====
^  [[https://en.wal.unesco.org/countries/netherlands/languages/limburgan|UNESCO]]  ^  [[https://www.ethnologue.com/language/lim/Ethnologue|Ethnologue]]  ^  [[http://www.endangeredlanguages.com/lang/10425|Endangered Languages]]  ^  [[https://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/limb1263|Glottolog]]  ^
|  {{:endangerment:cyan.png?nolink|Potentially vulnerable}}  |  {{:endangerment:blue.png?nolink|Stable}}  |  n/a  |  {{:endangerment:yellow.png?nolink|Threatened}}  |
<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 → High German → Middle German → Middle Franconian → Ripuarian → Limburgish. For more information, see //limb1263// at [[http://glottolog.org/resource/languoid/id/limb1263|Glottolog]]
  * Script: Latin
==== Language standardisation ====

There have been several different orthographies for Limburgish (varieties). [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Veldeke Limburg]] has published the first official Veldeke-spelling for Limburgish in 1952, with a second following in 1983. In 2003, [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#Linguistics, grammars, dictionaries|Spelling 2003 voor de Limburgse dialecten]] (Eng: Spelling 2003 for the Limburgish dialects) was published and officially accepted by [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|De Raod veur ’t Limburgs]]. This document has guidelines for the spelling of all Limburgish dialects, and also serves as a base for the online dictionary [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#Linguistics, grammars, dictionaries|D’n Dictionair]] (2016)((Pierre Bakkes, Herman Crompvoets, Jan Notten and Frans Walraven. (2003). //Spelling 2003 voor Limburgse dialecten//. [[http://www.limburgsedialecten.nl/download/spelling2003.pdf]]))((Limburgse Academie. (n.d.). Limburgse woordenboeken. //Limburgse Academie.// [[https://limburgs.org/nl/woordenboek/]].)). Nonetheless, as Limburgish knoiws many varieties, Veldeke underlines that this 2003 spelling is an advice, and writers can deviate from this if they think (the sounds of) varieties are better reflected differently((Veldeke Limburg. (n.d). Spellingsadvies. //Veldeke Limburg//. [[https://www.veldeke.net/taal/spellingsadvies]].)).

===== Demographics =====

==== Language Area ====

In the Netherlands, Limburgish is spoken in the province of Limburg. Limburgish is part of a dialect-continuum in The Netherlands, Belgium (province of Limburg) and Germany (in Rhineland, //Rheinland//). The language vitality is strongest in The Netherlands ((Limburgse Academie. (n.d.). //Limburgse Taal.// [[https://limburgs.org/nl/limburgs/]].))

Limburgish is not one standard language, but has many (mutually intelligble) varieties. Nevertheless, Limburgish in the Netherlands is recognised as one language, including all varieties, through the [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages|European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages]] and the [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#Covenant on Limburgish language|Covenant on Limburgish language]].

The Limburgish varieties can be distinguished in several groups ((Veldeke Limburg. (n.d.). //Limburgse taal//. [[https://www.veldeke.net/taal/]].))((Archief Well. (n.d.). Limburgse dialecten. In: //Wells dialect//. [[https://www.archiefwell.nl/cultuur/wells-dialect/]].)):
  * East-Limburgish (e.g. Roermond, Sittard)
  * Central-Limburgish (e.g. Maastricht, Weert)
  * Mich-quarter (e.g. Venlo)
  * Kleverlands/Northern Limburgish (e.g. Venray, Mook)
  * Ripuarian (e.g. Kerkrade)

<sup>Note: The last two varieties are recognised to be part of Limburgish by some ((Veldeke Limburg. (n.d.). //Limburgse taal//. [[https://www.veldeke.net/taal/]].))((Council of Europe.(2022, November 1). //States Parties to the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages//. [[https://rm.coe.int/november-2022-revised-table-languages-covered-english-/1680a8fef4]].)) but not all ((Frens Bakker. (1997). 'Wat is Limburgs?'. In // Onze Taal//, year 66, p.107-109 [[https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_taa014199701_01/_taa014199701_01_0072.php]].)).</sup>

However, varieties commonly are identified by the town/city ((Limburgse Academie. (n.d.). //Limburgse Taal.// [[https://limburgs.org/nl/limburgs/]].))((Frens Bakker. (1997). 'Wat is Limburgs?'. In // Onze Taal//, year 66, p.107-109 [[https://www.dbnl.org/tekst/_taa014199701_01/_taa014199701_01_0072.php]].)), such as:
  * Kerkrade: Kerkraads/Kirchröadsj
  * Maastricht: Maastrichts/Mestreechs
  * Sittard: Sittards/Zitterds/Zittesj
  * Roermond: Roermonds/Remunjs 
  * Venlo: Venloos 
  * Weert: Weerrtlands/Wieërtlands 
  * Region Valkenberg: Valkebergs, Bergs, Hölsbergs, Houtems, Subs, Sjins ((Diederen, E. en Lahey, M. (2008). Gemeinte Valkeberg aan de Geul. //veldeke-krink-valkeberg// [[http://www.veldeke-valkeberg.nl/valkenburg%20aan%20de%20geul.html.]].))

The maps below show: left) the province of Limburg within the Netherlands ((TUBS. (2011, March 4). //Limburg in the Netherlands.//CC-BY-3.0. From [[https://nl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bestand:Limburg_in_the_Netherlands.svg]].)); right) Limburgish dialect-continuum with Limburgish in green ((Koryakov Yuri, Hans Erren (eds). (2010, April 30). //Meuse-Rhenish-nl.//  CC-BY-3.0, GFDL. From [[https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Meuse-Rhenish-nl.png]].)).

{{:languages:532px-limburg_in_the_netherlands.svg.png?nolink&400|}}     {{:languages:het_limburgs-nederrijnse_dialectcontinuuem.png?nolink&600|}}


==== Speaker numbers ====

In total (i.e. The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany), it is estimated that there are between 1.2 and 1.5 million speakers of Limburgish ((Limburgse Academie (n.d.). //Limburgse Taal.// [Eng:Limburgish language] [[https://limburgs.org/nl/limburgs/]].)). In 2001, it was estimated that 70% of the residents of the province of Limburg could understand and speak Limburgish, which would be around 770.000 people ((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2001). //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: Application of the Charter in the Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/CoERMPublicCommonSearchServices/DisplayDCTMContent?documentId=09000016806d8ce1]].)). According to a survey held in 2021 in Limburg (N=1011), 78% of the respondents (18 years and older) can speak (a variety of) Limburgish, of whom 67% speaks it very well((R&M Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].)). This survey also showed that the percentage of fluent speakers is largest among people aged 65 and up (74%, also see table 1). 

<sub> Table 1. Percentages of fluent speakers across age groups ((R&M Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].)).</sub>
^ Age group (years) ^ 18-34 ^ 35-49 ^ 50-64 ^ 65 and up ^
| Fluent speakers (percentage) | 52% | 64% | 72% | 74% |  




 
====Language use ====

=== home language ===
In a 2019 survey about home languages in the Netherlands (N= 7652), 3.4% of the respondents (aged 15 years and older) within the Netherlands listed Limburgish as home language, and within the province of Limburg, 47.9% of the respondents listed Limburgish as their home language compared to 46.0% who listed Dutch as home language (also see table 2)((Schmeets, H., & Cornips, L. (2021). Talen en dialecten in Nederland: Welke talen en dialecten spreken we thuis en gebruiken we op sociale media? [Languages and Dialects: which languages and dialects do we speak at home and use in social media?] //Statistische Trends//. [[https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/longread/statistische-trends/2021/talen-en-dialecten-in-nederland]].)). The percentage of Limburgish as home language declines with age, as older speakers use Limburgish more as home language than younger speakers ((Schmeets, H., & Cornips, L. (2021). Talen en dialecten in Nederland: Welke talen en dialecten spreken we thuis en gebruiken we op sociale media? [Languages and Dialects: which languages and dialects do we speak at home and use in social media?] //Statistische Trends//. [[https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/longread/statistische-trends/2021/talen-en-dialecten-in-nederland]].))((R&M Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].)).

<sub> Table 2. Percentage of home languages spoken in the province of Limburg((Schmeets, H., & Cornips, L. (2021). Talen en dialecten in Nederland: Welke talen en dialecten spreken we thuis en gebruiken we op sociale media? [Languages and Dialects: which languages and dialects do we speak at home and use in social media?] //Statistische Trends//. [[https://www.cbs.nl/nl-nl/longread/statistische-trends/2021/talen-en-dialecten-in-nederland]].)). 
 </sub>
^ Home language ^ Limburgish ^ Dutch ^ Dialect ^ Low Saxon ^ Frisian ^ other ^
| | 47.9% | 46.0% | 0.6% | 0.2% | 0.2% | 5.1% |  

=== social settings ===

Limburgish is used in different social settings, as a national survey (N=3559, published in 2019) and a provincial survey (N=788, published in 2021) show. The survey held in Limburg shows higher percentages throughout (see table 3)((Taalunie. (2019) //De Staat van het Nederlands: Publieksrapport 2019// [Eng: State of Play of Dutch: public report]. Nederlandse Taalunie. [[https://staatvanhetnederlands.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Publieksrapport-StaatNed-2019.pdf]].))((R&M Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].)).

<sub> Table 3. Percentage of the Limburgish language used in various social settings within the province - listed per conversation partner ((Taalunie. (2019) //De Staat van het Nederlands: Publieksrapport 2019// [Eng: State of Play of Dutch: public report]. Nederlandse Taalunie. [[https://staatvanhetnederlands.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Publieksrapport-StaatNed-2019.pdf]].))((R&M Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].)). </sub>

^ language use ^ Limburgish only\\ national survey 2019((Taalunie. (2019) //De Staat van het Nederlands: Publieksrapport 2019// [Eng: State of Play of Dutch: public report]. Nederlandse Taalunie. [[https://staatvanhetnederlands.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Publieksrapport-StaatNed-2019.pdf]].))  ^ Limburgish and/or a mix with Dutch\\ national survey 2019((Taalunie. (2019) //De Staat van het Nederlands: Publieksrapport 2019// [Eng: State of Play of Dutch: public report]. Nederlandse Taalunie. [[https://staatvanhetnederlands.nl/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/Publieksrapport-StaatNed-2019.pdf]].))  ^ Limburgish\\ Limburg survey 2021((R&M Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].))      ^
| partner | 38,0% | 41,2 % | 57% | 
| children | 28,5% | 29,1 % | 49% | 
| parents | 60,8% | 61,4% | - | 
| family members | - | - | 82% | 
| friends | 46,2% | 52,5% | 88% | 
| colleagues | - | - | 55% |
| at the supermarket| 39,2% | 39,9 % | 73% (with staff) | 
| at the market | 35,4% | 36,7 % | 73% (with staff) | 
| at official institutes  (e.g. municipality, bank) | - | - | 41% |
| at the GP | 27,2% | 28,5% | 38% | 
| with strangers on the street | - | - | 45% |

====Language attitudes =====

In the survey on language use in Limburg (2021), respondents (N=1011) were asked about Limburgish in education. A majority of 53% agreed that schools should pay more attention to Limburgish, 32% agreed that kindergartens should use the language as medium of instuction, and 14% agreed that more scientic research on the language is needed. To promote the language, more funding should be made available by the provincial government according to 34% of the respondents, and by the national government according to 19% of the respondents, though 17% agreed that Limburgish does not need to be safeguarded ((R&M|Matrix. (2021). //Verslag van een onderzoek naar de stand van de Limburgse taal in opdracht van Veldeke Limburg// [Eng: Report of a survey about the state of play of the Limburgish language commissioned by Veldeke Limburg]. Veldeke Limburg. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Eindrapport-compleet.pdf]].)).

----
====== Education of the language ======
===== History of language education =====

In 1937, the national Primary Education Act of 1920 (Lager Onderwijswet, 1920) was amended, and included the provision that "a regional language in living use" could be taught, alongside Dutch ((Riemersma, A.M.J., Robinson-Jones, C. (ed.), Scarse, Y.R. (ed.), Ybema, J. (ed.), Visser, M.(ed.), & Schukking, A.F. (ed.). (2024). //The Frisian language in education in the Netherlands //(5th ed.). (Regional Dossier series). Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning. [[https://www.mercator-research.eu/regional-dossiers/frisian-netherlands/]].))((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)). Since 1998, a regional language can also be used as language of instruction, alongside Dutch ((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)). To which extent this has been done, is difficult to retrace

In 2012, Limburgish was taught (optionally) at up to 80 primary schools and up to 20 secondary schools. However, it seems that these numbers have been declining, as in 2019, the Committee of Experts reported that Limburgish was taught at some schools((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2012). //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: application of the charter in the Netherlands -4th monitoring cycle. // Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/16806d8e11]].)), and in 2022, it is reported that some (primary) schools teach Limburgish via projects or after-school programmes ((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2022). //7th evaluation report on the Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)).

===language attitudes in school===

In 1973, the //Kerkradeproject// (Eng: Kerkrade project) was initiated, in reaction to a study done in Kerkrade, in which schools connected negative school results to speaking Limburgish((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)). The project found in the research phase, that Limburgish speaking pupils, as opposed to Standard Dutch speaking pupils, were linked to negative results and given lower school advice for secondary education, which stemmed from teachers' negative language attitudes towards Limburgish, rather than the abilities of the Limburgish speaking pupils. This lead the project to develop proposals for change and teaching materials in order to promote language awareness and improve language attitudes towards Limburgish, and to look for ways to use Limburgish in the classroom. This resulted, relatively to the scale of the project, to more positive attitudes towards Limburgish in the classroom by teachers and educational staff, and less to no difference in school results and school advice for secondary education between standard Dutch and Limburgish speakers((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)). 

In the same period as the Kerkradeproject, a study looked into the school results of standard Dutch and Limburgish speaking pupils in Gennep, which showed that there were no significant differences in test results, though, together with the results of a follow-up study in 1980, it can be concluded that teachers, due to more negative language attitudes towards Limburgish, judge the school performances of standard Dutch speaking pupils to be higher than the Limburgish speaking pupils((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)).

Fifteen years later, a study looked into the effects of the Kerkradeproject, and how much Limburgish was (still) used in the classroom((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)). The results showed that within the classroom, in the formal setting, teachers and educational staff used and tolerated Limburgish less than during the Kerkradeproject, though positive language attitudes remained, and the majority allowed the language outside of the classroom or in a informal settings (e.g. school yard)((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect en schoolprestaties in Kerkrade. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.36-45), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817270/dialect.pdf]].)).
===== Legislation of language education =====

==== European level====

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

In 1992, the Netherlands [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#Signature of a treaty|signed]] and, in 1996, [[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]] (ECRML), which entered into force in 1998, with recognition of Limburgish under [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|part II]].
This facilitates its promotion across different layers of society such as education:
  * 7.c) the need for resolute action to promote Limburgish in order to safeguard it;
  * 7.d) the facilitation and/or encouragement of the use of Limburgish, in speech and writing, in public and private life;
  * 7.f) the provision of appropriate forms and means for the teaching and study of Limburgish at all appropriate stages;
  * 7.g) the provision of facilities enabling non-speakers of Limburgish  living in the area where it is used to learn it if they so desire;
  * 7.h) the promotion of study and research on Limburgish  at universities or equivalent institutions;

Advocacy for this recognition of Limburgish was needed however, as the language was not included initially. In 1995, as reaction to letters from the provincial councils of Groningen, Fryslân, Drenthe and Overijssel, and the municipal councils of Ooststellingwerf and Weststellingwerf, the Secretary of State for the Interior agreed with the addition of Low Saxon as regional language under part II of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages ((Tweede Kamer der Staten-Generaal  (1995, October 19). //Handeling 1995-1996, nr. 15, pagina 1017-1029//. Overheid. [[https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/h-tk-19951996-15-1017-1029.html]].))((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].)). This raised the question whether Limburgish, with a similar situation to Low Saxon, should be recognised too, and as a result of this, the working group //Werkgroep Erkenning Limburgs als Streektaal// [Eng: working group for the recognition of Limburgish as a regional language] was set up at the initiative of [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Veldeke Limburg]] and the provincial government of Limburg ((Werkgroep Erkenning Limburgs als Streektaal. (1996, March 4). Advies inzake de erkenning van het Limburgs als streektaal [Eng: Advice on the recognition of Limburgish as a regional language]. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Advies-inzake-de-erkenning-van-het-Limburgs-als-streektaal-1996.pdf]].)). In March 1996, this working group published a recommendation((Werkgroep Erkenning Limburgs als Streektaal. (1996, March 4). Advies inzake de erkenning van het Limburgs als streektaal [Eng: Advice on the recognition of Limburgish as a regional language]. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/Advies-inzake-de-erkenning-van-het-Limburgs-als-streektaal-1996.pdf]].))((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].)) to add Limburgish to the list of languages to be protected under the European Charter, with three main arguments: 1) the structure of Limburgish, which differs from the national language, Dutch; 2) the language attitudes of the speakers; 3) the communicative function of Limburgish.
Though the Nederlandse Taalunie (Language Union) gave a negative advice to recognise Limburgish, the Ministry of the Interior adopted this recommendation from the working group in February 1997, and so, before the ECRML was enacted in the Netherlands in 1998, Limburgish was recognised under part II of the ECRML ((Veldeke Limburg. (n.d.). Erkenning als streektaal [ENg: recognition as regional language]((https://www.veldeke.net/taal/erkenning-als-streektaal/]].))((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].))((Council of Europe. (2023, June 20). Reservations and Declarations for Treaty No.148 - European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages (ETS No. 148). [[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]].)). Despite the recognition, the secretary-general of the Nederlandse Taalunie stated in 1999, that the recognition of Limburgish was an "unfortunate decision"((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].)).

In April 2023, an open letter written by [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Hoes veur ’t Limburgs]] was sent to the provincial government of Limburg with the call to recognise Limburgish under [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional and Minority languages|part III]], before December 2024 ((Hoes veur ’t Limburgs. (2023, April 21). Open brief Limburgse taal [Eng: open letter about Limburgish language. [[http://www.eblt.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Open-Brief-aan-het-Limburgs-Parlement.pdf]].)). The Provincial Council of Limburg decided that more research and support was needed for recognition under part III of the European Charter in December 2023. One year later, in December 2024, the policy plan [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/885/Uitvoeringsprogramma-Limburgse-taal-2025-2027.pdf|Same veur 't Limburgs 2025-2027]] [Together for Limburgish 2025-2027] was adopted by the Provincial Council of Limburg, which aims to strengthen the status of Limburgish under part II and to research and prepare necessary steps towards a higher recognition under part III ((Provincie Limburg. (2024). //Same veur 't Limburgs 2025-2027: Uitvoeringsprogramma Limburgse taal 2025-2027// [Together for Limburgish 2025-2027: implementation plan for Limburgish 2025-2027]. [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/885/Uitvoeringsprogramma-Limburgse-taal-2025-2027.pdf]].))((Provincie Limburg. (2024). Provinciale Staten: Statenvergadering met één agendapunt in het dialect vrijdag 13 december 2024 [Provincial Council: Council meeting with one topic in dialect Friday December 13]. Retrieved frnom: [[https://limburg.bestuurlijkeinformatie.nl/Agenda/Index/8fab599e-aa5f-4265-a9df-7bd7af5b433a]].)). 

==== National level==== 

===Covenant on the Limburgish language ===

In 2019, The Dutch government recognised Limburgish as "as an essential, fully-fledged and independent regional language in the Netherlands" in the [[https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2019-64467.html|Convenant inzake de Nederlandse erkenning van de Limburgse taal]] [Eng: Covenant on the Dutch recognition of the Limburgish language] ((Ministerie van Binnenlandse Zaken en Koninkrijksrelaties. (2019, November 27). //Convenant inzake de Nederlandse erkenning van de Limburgse taal// [Eng: Covenant on the Dutch recognition of the Limburgish language]. Koninkrijksrelaties Staatscourant 2019, 64467. [[https://zoek.officielebekendmakingen.nl/stcrt-2019-64467.html]].)). The recognition includes that the Ministry of the Interior and Kingdom Relations and the provincial government of Limburg "will, insofar as they are able, make every effort and work together to maintain Limburgish as a regional language in the Netherlands, to promote its use and to promote the position of Limburgish, without the creation of new laws and regulations." Both parties will make agreements on the implementation of the covenant.  

The preamble (re)confirms that, by national law, Limburgish is allowed as medium of instruction at kindergarten and primary education, and Limburgish can be taught in addition to the curriculum at secondary education.

===Educational laws ===

Legislation regarding education is made at national level.
 
  * Pre-school education (0-4 years)

In pre-school education, the [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017017/2023-01-01/0|Wet Kinderopvang]] [Eng: Childcare Act] states that, when "a regional language which is in lively use", this language can be also be used as the medium of instruction, besides Dutch ((Wet Kinderopvang 2004 [Childcare Act]. (2004, July 9). [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0017017/2023-01-01/0]].)). This allows for the use of Limburgish, as underlined too in the Covenant on Limburgish language. 

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) 
In primary education, the [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003420/2023-01-01/0|Wet op het primair onderwijs]] [Primary Education Act] states that, when "a regional language which is in lively use", this language can be also be used as the medium of instruction, besides Dutch ((Wet op het primair onderwijs [Eng: Primary Education Act]. (1981, July 2). [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0003420/2023-01-01/0]].)). This allows for the use of Limburgish, as underlined too in the Covenant on Limburgish language.

  * Secondary school education (12-16/18 years)
The //Wet op het voortgezet onderwijs// (English: Secondary Education Act) allows 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 voortgezet onderwijs 2020, BWBR0044212 [Secondary Education Act of 2020]. (2020, September 30). Retrieved Octobe 15, 2024, from [[https://wetten.overheid.nl/BWBR0044212/2024-01-01/0]].)).



====Provincial level====

In October 2015, several Limburgish language [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|organisations]] pleaded for a better position and use of Limburgish in education, especially in pre-school education, in the vision document "Sjiek is mich dat!" (Eng: that's neat!) ((Cornips, L. et al.. (2015, October 12). //Sjiek is mich dat!: Visie op taal als erfgoed// [Eng: That's neat! Vision on language as heritage]. [[https://leoniecornips.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/visie_sjiek-is-miech-dat-visie-op-taal-als-erfgoed-12-10-15.pdf]].))((Cornips, L. (2018, July 23). //“Kind moet over op het ‘plat’”// (Eng: child has to switch to vernacular). Neerlandistiek. [[https://neerlandistiek.nl/2018/07/kind-moet-over-op-het-plat/]].)).
In November 2017, the provincial government of Limburg pledged to develop language policy for Limburgish, which came in the form of the framework policy document [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/KadernotaStreektaalbeleid.pdf|’n Laeve lank Limburgs]] (Eng: a life long Limburgish), presented in June 2018. The three main points were: language promotion, language transition and language infrastructure. This framework policy aims to increase language transition in education, and to raise the level of knowledge about multilingualism. Especially in pre-school education, children should be supported, not discouraged to use and develop their Limburgish language skills. The aim is to use Limburgish as medium of instruction more often, and to increase the presence of Limburgish in all educational levels((Provincie Limburg. (2018,June 28). //'n Laeve lank Limburgs// [Eng:a life long Limburgish]. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/KadernotaStreektaalbeleid.pdf]].)). The plans to increase the use of Limburgish as medium of instruction were tested at locations of day care centre Spelenderwijs in 2019 ((Klomp, C. (2018 July 19). Provincie: spreek Limburgs op peuterspeelzalen. [Eng: Province: speak Limburgish at childcare centres]. // De Gelderlander. //[[https://www.gelderlander.nl/binnenland/provincie-spreek-limburgs-op-peuterspeelzalen~a821d896/]].)). Media, community and organisations reacted to the framework policy document, and in January 2019, the framework policy document, including reactions, comments and recommendations, was presented to be discussed by the provincial states ((Cornips, L. (2018, July 23). //“Kind moet over op het ‘plat’”// (Eng: child has to switch to vernacular). Neerlandistiek. [[https://neerlandistiek.nl/2018/07/kind-moet-over-op-het-plat/]].))((Veldeke Limburg (n.d.). //’n Laeve lank Limburgs// [ENg: a life long Limburgish]. Retrieved June 21, 2023, from [[https://www.veldeke.net/n-laeve-lank-limburgs/]].))((Koopmans, G.P.J. (2019, Januari  22). //Mededeling portefeuillehouder inzake streektaal// [Eng: announcement to councillor concerning regional language]. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Mededeling-Portefeuillehouder-inzake-streektaal_-brief-gedeputeerde-Koopmans-van-22-1-2019-GS-2019-4415-1.pdf.]].)).

In April 2023, an open letter written by [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Hoes veur ’t Limburgs]] was sent to the provincial government of Limburg with the call to recognise Limburgish under part III pf the ECRML, amd to include the following educational measures in the subsequent covenant between the national and provincial government ((Hoes veur ’t Limburgs. (2023, April 21). Open brief Limburgse taal [Eng: open letter about Limburgish language. [[http://www.eblt.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Open-Brief-aan-het-Limburgs-Parlement.pdf]].)):
  * the educational laws to allow the use of Limburgish as medium of instruction, next to Dutch, in pre-school and primary education;
  * the educational laws to allow Limburgish as subject and programme item, in secondary, vocational and higher education;
  * the Dutch national government to support policy for Limburgish to be used on an equal footing alongside Dutch as a medium of instruction pre-school and primary education and as a subject in secondary, vocational and higher education.

This led to the unanimous adoption by the Provincial Council of Limburg of the policy plan [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/885/Uitvoeringsprogramma-Limburgse-taal-2025-2027.pdf|Same veur 't Limburgs 2025-2027]] [Together for Limburgish 2025-2027] for the strengthening of Limburgish, in December 2024((Provincie Limburg. (2024). Provinciale Staten: Statenvergadering met één agendapunt in het dialect vrijdag 13 december 2024 [Provincial Council: Council meeting with one topic in dialect Friday December 13]. Retrieved from: [[https://limburg.bestuurlijkeinformatie.nl/Agenda/Index/8fab599e-aa5f-4265-a9df-7bd7af5b433a]].)). Vital for the implementation of this policy plan is the knowledge and expertise centre //’t Hoes veur ’t Limburgs//, which was established in 2023. Limburgish was used in this Provincial Council meeting, for which two interpreters were needed, as Dutch is the only official language ((Van den Broek, J. (2024, November 29). Provincie debatteert op vrijdag de dertiende in het dialect [Province debates in dialect on Friday]. //L1//. [[https://www.l1nieuws.nl/nieuws/2779179/provinciale-politiek-wil-meer-erkenning-voor-het-limburgs]].))



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

====Institutional support====

Limburgish language education is promoted and supported by [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#Organisations|several organisations]], which receive subsidy from the province of Limburg. After its recognition under part II of the ECRML, the [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Raod veur ’t Limburgs]] (Eng: the Limburgish council) and a //streektaalfunctionaris// (Eng: regional language officer; via [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg]]) have been appointed to promote the Limburgish language since 2001((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].)). Since 2022, the provincial government of Limburg has supported the (establishement) and organisation of //'t Hoes veur ‘t Limburgs// [ENG: the House for Limburgish]], including €60.000 for an educational employee((Van Hoof, J. (2022, July 4). Provinciale subsidie: Hoes veur ‘t Limburgs stap dichterbij [Eng: Provincial subsidy: Hoes veur 't Limburgs one step closer]]. //1Limburg//. [[https://www.1limburg.nl/nieuws/1778988/provinciale-subsidie-hoes-veur-t-limburgs-stap-dichterbij]]))((Hover, H. (2022, October 5). Hoes veur 't Limburgs in oprichting [Eng: Hoes veur 't Limburgs being established]. //1Limburg//. [[https://www.1limburg.nl/entertainment/1856837/hoes-veur-t-limburgs-in-oprichting]].)). 

The //Raod veur ’t Limburgs// is an advisory committee for the Provincial Council of Limburg. As such, it does research and gives advice regarding the recognition of the language and its the implementation. Moreover, it initiates projects to raise language awareness. In doing so, //Raod veur ’t Limburgs// often cooperates with //Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg//. This advisory organisation and knowledge centre has a focus on arts and heritage in Limburg, and as such, advices the Provincial Council of Limburg on all subsidy applications regarding language. The //Hoes veur 't Limburgs// is the newest addition, and is a knowledge and expertise centre regarding Limburgish. It is a cooperation of several language organisations, including //Veldeke Limburg// - an umbrella organisation for language promotion, the //Raod veur ’t Limburgs//, the //Limbörgse Academie// [ENG: Limburgish Acadamy] - A non-profit organistaion which develops digital language products and tools, //Levende Talen Limburgs// [ENG:Living Languages Limburgish] - The Limburgish section of the language teacher association, //Vereniging Limburgse Dialect- en Naamkunde (VLDN) [ENG: Association of Limburg Dialect and Onomastics]//, and the //Willy Dols Stichting// [ENG: Willy Dols Foundation] - a foundation for the Sittards/Zittesj  variety.

====Financial support====

The provincial government of Limburg has provided incidental subsidies for educational projects, such as [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#Learning materials|Piepekoek]]((Coleé, R. (2020, July 7). Piepekoek.nl leert peuters nu ook spelenderwijs Limburgs met games [Eng: Piekekoek also teaches toddlers Limburgish in a playful manner with games]. //De Limburger.//[[https://www.limburger.nl/cnt/dmf20200707_00167164]].)), or the Prijsvraag Limburgse taal ((Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg. (2022). //Wat Limburg raakt...wat Limburg verbindt...Jaarplan en begroting 2022 - Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg// [Eng: What moves Limburg...what connects Limburg...Annual plan and budget 2022). [[https://hklimburg.nl/sites/default/files/inline-files/Jaarplan%20%26%20Begroting%202022%20%20-%20Huis%20voor%20de%20Kunsten%20Limburg.pdf]].)) In the 7th report cycle on the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms|ECRML]], the Committee of Experts stated that organisations "lack dedicated financial support" to develop learning materials ((Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022, November 18). //7th evaluation report on the Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)) 

The provincial government of Limburg provides subsidies for organisations, e.g. [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Veldeke Limburg]]((Veldeke Limburg. (2022). //Begroting Veldeke 2022 // [Eng:  budget estimate Veldeke 2022]. [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Begroting-2022.pdf]].)), [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Limburgse Academie]]((Limburgse Academie (n.d.). //Limburgse Academie//. [[https://limburgs.org/nl/over-ons/]].)), and [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg]] ((Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg. (2022). //Wat Limburg raakt...wat Limburg verbindt...Jaarplan en begroting 2022 - Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg// [Eng: What moves Limburg...what connects Limburg...Annual plan and budget 2022). [[https://hklimburg.nl/sites/default/files/inline-files/Jaarplan%20%26%20Begroting%202022%20%20-%20Huis%20voor%20de%20Kunsten%20Limburg.pdf]].)). In 2022, it was announced that the provincial government of Limburg would structually support [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|'t Hoes veur ‘t Limburgs]], with €75,000 for an educational and a communications worker; more funding should come from municipalities and the national government  ((Van Hoof, J. (2022, July 4). Provinciale subsidie: Hoes veur ‘t Limburgs stap dichterbij [Eng: Provincial subsidy: Hoes veur 't Limburgs one step closer]]. //1Limburg//. [[https://www.1limburg.nl/nieuws/1778988/provinciale-subsidie-hoes-veur-t-limburgs-stap-dichterbij]]))((Hover, H. (2022, October 5). Hoes veur 't Limburgs in oprichting [Eng: Hoes veur 't Limburgs being established]. //1Limburg//. [[https://www.1limburg.nl/entertainment/1856837/hoes-veur-t-limburgs-in-oprichting]].)). Education is a legal responsibility for the national government, not the province of Limburg, and in relation to this, the deputy for heritage in Limburg, stated to be dissapointed by the amount of financing for the Limburgish language by the national government, which was a single incidental subsidy of €25,000 ((Van Rijsingen, H. & Jansen, C. (2022, November 26). Waarom Limburg meer geld wil om het dialect te behouden: 'Friesland krijgt miljoenen, wij maar paar duizend euro' [Eng: Why Limburg wants more money to preserve the dialect: 'Friesland gets millions, we only get a few thousand euros'].//Eenvandaag//. [[https://eenvandaag.avrotros.nl/item/waarom-limburg-meer-geld-wil-om-dialect-te-behouden-friesland-krijgt-miljarden-wij-maar-paar-duizend-euro/]].)). In April 2023, an open letter written by [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Hoes veur ’t Limburgs]] was sent to the provincial government of Limburg with the call for adequate financial support((Hoes veur ’t Limburgs. (2023, April 21). Open brief Limburgse taal [Eng: open letter about Limburgish language. [[http://www.eblt.nl/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Open-Brief-aan-het-Limburgs-Parlement.pdf]].)).

A major shift came in 2024, when an annual budget of 1.1 million euros was appointed to Limburgish, above existing funding for organisations, in light of the provincial policy plan [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/885/Uitvoeringsprogramma-Limburgse-taal-2025-2027.pdf|Same veur ’t Limburgs 2025-2027]]. In this period, €200,000 is budgeted for Limburgish in pre-school education, schools and (general) education, and €100,000 for academic knowledge per year((Provincie Limburg. (2024). //Same veur 't Limburgs 2025-2027: Uitvoeringsprogramma Limburgse taal 2025-2027// [Together for Limburgish 2025-2027: implementation plan for Limburgish 2025-2027]. [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/885/Uitvoeringsprogramma-Limburgse-taal-2025-2027.pdf]].)).

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

===pre-school education===

In 2012, the Committee of Experts on the [[general_information:glossary_of_terms#European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages|ECRML]] reported that in pre-school education, Limburgish is "is only occasionally used" and that structured approach regarding the use of Limburgish is absent ((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2012, October 24). //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: application of the charter in the Netherlands -4th monitoring cycle. // Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/16806d8e11]].)). In 2022, the Committee of Experts reported that some childcare organisations (e.g. Spelenderwijs) use Limburgish as medium of instruction, but this is not standard((Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022, November 18). //7th evaluation report on the Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)).

A 2022 survey among employees at pre-school education locations (e.g. day care centres, toddler playgroups, after school care groups) showed that 68.0% of the respondents (N=485) use Limburgish with the children, most of them use the language often, mainly during playtime (77.5%) and individually with children (75.4) as opposed to during reading or instruction (5.5%) and in plenary sessions (0.9%)  ((Van Dongen, J. (2022). //Onderzoek Limburgse Taal in de kinderopvang// [powerpoint presentation; a survey on Limburgish in day care]. MIK & PIW groep, Zuyd Hogeschool. [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/168/Resultaten-onderzoek-Limburgse-taal-in-de-kinderopvang.pdf]].)). Reasons for employees to refrain from using the language are e.g. not speaking the language themselves (19.0%), children who do not speak Limburgish (43.2%), not knowing whether it is allowed to use the language (9.5%) or resistance from colleagues or the organisation to do so (9.3%). A need for more teaching materials was reported by 42.7% of the respondents, as well as a need for more information about the advantages to use Limburgish (39.7%)((Van Dongen, J. (2022). //Onderzoek Limburgse Taal in de kinderopvang// [powerpoint presentation; a survey on Limburgish in day care]. MIK & PIW groep, Zuyd Hogeschool. [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/168/Resultaten-onderzoek-Limburgse-taal-in-de-kinderopvang.pdf]].)). 

Besides a lack of teaching materials, centres can be confronted with more challenges to use the language. In 2024, the day care centre  Humpie Dumpie came into news, as the Inspectorate (GGD) gave a negative review for the use of Limburgish ((Benders, G. (2024, June 21). //Kinderopvang op de vingers getikt vanwege dialectgebruik// [Childcare centre reprimanded for use of dialect]. L1. [[https://www.l1nieuws.nl/entertainment/2676671/kinderopvang-op-de-vingers-getikt-vanwege-dialectgebruik]].))((NOS. (2024, June 21). //Kinderopvang op de vingers getikt vanwege dialectgebruik// [Childcare centre reprimanded for use of dialect]. NOS. [[https://nos.nl/regio/limburg/artikel/530758-kinderopvang-op-de-vingers-getikt-vanwege-dialectgebruik]].)). The Inspectare reported that the two employees "virtually only used dialect" during the 1.5 hour of inspection, while "the Limburgish dialect can never be the main language of instruction." ((GGD Zuid Limburg. (2024). //Inspectierapport Humpie Dumpie (KDV)// [Inspection report Humpie Dumpie (day care centre)]. Rijksoverheid Landelijk Register Kinderopvang. [[https://www.landelijkregisterkinderopvang.nl/pp/#/inspectierapport/a80649b5-8e26-4fc1-a991-d9f86bd21941/9bde8fc5-8466-4b9d-915e-c7085f2cc9e5]].)). The Inspectorate stated that Limburgish can only be used when it is written in the educational policy plan of the centre, and if it is used next to Dutch, for a maximum of 50% of the time((Benders, G. (2024, June 21). //Kinderopvang op de vingers getikt vanwege dialectgebruik// [Childcare centre reprimanded for use of dialect]. L1. [[https://www.l1nieuws.nl/entertainment/2676671/kinderopvang-op-de-vingers-getikt-vanwege-dialectgebruik]].))((NOS. (2024, June 21). //Kinderopvang op de vingers getikt vanwege dialectgebruik// [Childcare centre reprimanded for use of dialect]. NOS. [[https://nos.nl/regio/limburg/artikel/530758-kinderopvang-op-de-vingers-getikt-vanwege-dialectgebruik]].)).


==Bilingual programmes==

A pilot for bilingual education, "dialect in de Kinderopvang" [Dialect in day care] was held at several locations, coordinated by Levende Talen sectie Limburgs, from November 2023 to April 2024 ((Peuteropvang heerlen. (2023). //Meertaligheid stimuleert gebruik Nederlands// [Multilingualism stimulates use of Dutch]. [[https://peuteropvangheerlen.nl/pilot-limburgs-in-de-peuteropvang/]].)). A bilingual programme followed, with the Mascotte //Zjuulke// who stimulates the use of Limburgish. As of early 2025, nine groups (mainly toddler playgroups) participate in this programme ((Hoes veur ’t Limburgs. (n.d.). //Vuursjoeëlse edukasie// [pre-school education]. [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/educatie/veursjoolse-educatie]].)). 


===primary & secondary education===

Limburgish was taught (optionally) at up to 80 primary schools and up to 20 secondary schools in 2012 ((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2012, October 24). //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: application of the charter in the Netherlands -4th monitoring cycle. // Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/16806d8e11]].)), whereas in 2019, the Committee of Experts reported that Limburgish was taught at "some schools" ((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2019, November 5). //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: Report of the Committee of Experts presented to the Committee of Ministers of the Council of Europe in accordance with Article 16 of the Charter - Sixth Report, The Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/ecrml-netherlands-6th-evaluation-report/16809f023f]].)). In 2022, it is reported that some (primary) schools teach Limburgish via projects or after-school programmes. The Committee of Experts therefore made the recommendation for immediate action to "prepare a strategy to ensure the teaching and study of Limburgish as a subject at all levels of education and promote its use in preschool education" ((Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022, November 18). //7th evaluation report on the Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)).

Each year, Veldeke Limburg organises a poem recitation competition for children at primary schools, for group3/4 (6-8 year old), group 5/6 (8-10 year old), and group 7/8 (10-12 year old) ((Veldeke Limburg (n.d.). Declamatiewedstrijd. //Veldeke Limburg.// [[ https://www.veldeke.net/jeugd/declamatiewedstrijd/]].))((P&M. (2023, May 18). 
Kinderen dragen gedichten voor in dialect. //Omroep P&M// [[https://www.omroeppenm.nl/nieuws/uitgelicht/kinderen-dragen-gedichten-voor-in-dialect]].))

===higher education===

Since 2011, Prof Dr Leonie Cornips is professor 'Language Culture in Limburg' at the University of Maastricht (for 0,3 fte) ((Maastricht University. (n.d.). Prof Dr L.M.E.A. Cornips. //Maastricht University.//. [[https://www.maastrichtuniversity.nl/lmea-cornips]].))((Van Houten, M. (2011, September 1). Een nieuwe draai aan het Limburgs [Eng: a new turn for Limburgs]. //Trouw//. [[https://www.trouw.nl/nieuws/een-nieuwe-draai-aan-het-limburgs~bb51a9c8/]].)).

====Language learning materials====


Teaching materials are often developed by organisations and/or in light of certain projects. Organisations and project teams that have created materials for primary education are e.g. //Road veur ‘t Limburgs, Buro Streektaol Nederlands-Limbörgs// (ENG: Bureau for the regional language Dutch-Limburgish), // 3M-project, Meer kansen Met Meertaligheid//, and //Veldeke Limburg//.


===Pre-school education===

  * //Piepekoek// [ENG: peekaboo]. \\ Short animated videos for chidlren in pre-school education. Developed by Raod veur 't Limburgs in 2018.
  * //Zjuulke// \\ Zjuulke is a toddler who invites everyone to use Limburgish, and promotes bilingual education. 

A 2022 survey among pre-school education staff showed that there is a need for more teaching materials, reported by 42.7% of the respondents, as well as a need for more information about the advantages to use Limburgish (39.7%)((Van Dongen, J. (2022). //Onderzoek Limburgse Taal in de kinderopvang// [powerpoint presentation; a survey on Limburgish in day care]. MIK & PIW groep, Zuyd Hogeschool. [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/storage/168/Resultaten-onderzoek-Limburgse-taal-in-de-kinderopvang.pdf]].)). 

===Primary education===


  * //KinjerKraom// (Eng: Children's booth) \\ a tv-programme which ran from 1997-2013 (800 episodes), with two teachers as presenters and the character Jippe ((Kinjerkraom. (n.d.). De KinjerKraom. //Kinjerkraom. // [[http://www.kinjerkraom.nl/]].))
  * //Limburgse Dialecten// [ENG: Limburgish dialects] \\ In 2005, some teaching materials up to grade 5 (8-9 year old) were developed by the [[languages:limburgish_in_the_netherlands#organisations|Road veur ‘t Limburgs]] and //het Bureau Streektaal Nederlands-Limburg// (Eng: Bureau for the regional language Dutch-Limburg)((Limburgse Dialecten. (n.d.). //Educatie//. Limburgse Dialecten. [[http://www.limburgsedialecten.nl/limburgs.html#educatie]].)) ((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].)). These materials mainly concern attitudes towards different languages, including Limburgish, and only to a lesser extent learning the Limburgish language ((Limburgse Dialecten. (n.d.). //Educatie//. Limburgse Dialecten. [[http://www.limburgsedialecten.nl/limburgs.html#educatie]].)). The materials are available in different dialects of Limburgish and in Dutch.((Limburgse Dialecten. (n.d.). //Educatie//. Limburgse Dialecten. [[http://www.limburgsedialecten.nl/limburgs.html#educatie]].)).
  * //Dien eige taol/ Dien eige taal/ Dien Eigen Taal//  (in order: Mestreechs,Remunjs, Venloos; Eng: your own language) \\ This book (2005-2006) was made available  in several Limburgish varieties, developed by the Buro Streektaol Nederlands-Limbörgs (Eng: Bureau for the regional language Dutch-Limburgish) ((Committee of Experts on the Charter. (2012, October 24). //European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages: application of the charter in the Netherlands -4th monitoring cycle. // Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/16806d8e11]].)).
  *  //Limburgs op de kaart// (Eng; Limburgish on the map) \\ A folder developed by De Raod veur 't Limburgs in 2007, and distributed for free to schools in Limburg ((1Limburg. (2007, October 12). Raod veur 't Limburgs komt met dialectenkaart. //1Limburg.// [[https://l1.nl/raod-veur-t-limburgs-komt-met-dialectenkaart-114741?pagina=39]].))It explains the different characteristics of the varieties in Limburgish. Its aim is to make the pupils aware of the differences between varieties in Limburgish and contributing to a positive attitude towards Limburgish((Limburgse Dialecten. (n.d.). //Educatie//. Limburgse Dialecten. [[http://www.limburgsedialecten.nl/limburgs.html#educatie]].)).
  * //Lesbrieven// (Eng: teaching materials) \\ Between 2007-2016, the //lesbrieven // were created by Veldeke Limburg. These are thematic educational materials (in Dutch) to learn about Limburgish language, culture and/or history, aimed at the highest classes of primary education (11-12 years old) ((Veldeke Limburg. (n.d.). Lesbrieven. //Veldeke Limburg//. [[https://www.veldeke.net/jeugd/lesbrieven/]].))
  * //Verhäölkes in ós Limburgs plat// [ENG: stories in Limburgish] \\ A story book with 26 tales which was published in 2020 in the varieties of Echs, Remunjs, Zitterds, Susterens, Valkebergs, Venrods en Wieërtlands, and a version with the stories in the original Limburgish variety. The book was developed by Veldeke Limburg. De Raod veur ’t Limburgs co-financed the publication, and made one copy available for each library. Veldeke Limburg aimed to make a copy available for a hundred schools ((Veldeke Limburg. (n.d.). Verhäölkes in ós Limburgs plat. //Veldeke Limburg.// [[https://www.veldeke.net/verhaolkes-in-os-limburgs-plat/]].))
  * //3M-project// \\ In 2017-2021, materials in several languages, including Limburgisch were creater for the [[https://sites.google.com/view/3mlimburg/homepage?authuser=0|3M project]] (//Meer kansen Met Meertaligheid//, ENG: More Opportunities with Multilingualism), led by NHL Stenden University of Applied Sciences. The Limburgish materials are available for all grades in primary school. The project aims to welcome both LImburgish and multilingualism in the classroom. 


A 2021 survey (N=39) showed that most teachers indicated a need for (more) Limburgish educational resources, and that most are not sufficiently aware of the existing materials ((Huisman, L.M. (2021, July). //Limburgs in ’t oonderwies: kwatsj of zjus nuudig? A study on the attitudes of primary school teachers towards using Limburgish in the classroom//  [Master thesis, Radboud University Nijmegen]. [[https://limburgs.levendetalen.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2022/05/Master-Thesis-Lieke-Huisman.pdf]].)). Moreover, the Committee of Experts of the ECRML stated in 2022, that there is a lack of dedicated financial support to develop learning materials ((Committee of Experts of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. (2022, November 18). //7th evaluation report on the Netherlands.// Council of Europe. [[https://rm.coe.int/netherlandsecrml7-en/1680aa8930]].)).

===Secondary education===

  *//Wiejer in dien eige taal// (Eng: Further in your own language) \\ This book was made available in several Limburgish varieties (Remunjs, Zitterds, Gelaens) in 2006, and was developed by the Buro Streektaol Nederlands-Limbörgs, with a focus on students aged 14-15 years (Limburgse Dialecten. (n.d.). Limburgs. //Limburgse Dialecten.// [[http://www.limburgsedialecten.nl/limburgs.html]].))

===Higher/ Vocational education===

  * //Liergank Limburgs// (Eng: course on Limburgish) \\ A course 'Limburgs Dialect’ or ‘Liergank Limburgs’ (2003).The aim was to make Limburgish also accepted during administrative meetings  ((Kroon, S., & Vallen, T. (2004). Dialect in Limburg. In //Dialect en school in Limburg// (p.11-32), Studies in Meertaligheid, 5. [[https://pure.uvt.nl/ws/files/817287/diallimb.pdf]].))

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===== Learning resources =====

====Organisations====

  * [[https://hoesveurtlimburgs.nl/|Het Hoes veur ’t Limburgs]] (Eng: The House for Limburgish) \\ A knowledge and expertise centre, an initiative of e.g. Raod veur ’t Limburgs, Veldeke Limburg and Levende Talen Limburgs, initiated in 2022, and supported by the Provincial government of Limburg. Its aim is to preserve Limburgish as a regional language, to promote its use and to strengthen its position in all areas of society. 
  * [[https://levendetalen.nl/talensecties/limburgs/|Levende Talen Limburgs]] (Eng: Teachers of Living Languages)\\ Teacher organisation which supports Limburgish in education (and other environments). It is a section of the larger educational organisation Levende Talen. 
  * [[https://limburgs.org/nl/|Limburgse Academie]] (Eng: Limburgish Academy)\\ A non-profit organistaion which develops digital language products and tools (e.g. online dictionaries, Swiftkey app) 
  *  [[https://hklimburg.nl/netwerk/raod-veur-t-limburgs|De Raod veur ’t Limburgs]] (Eng: the Limburgish council) \\ Advisory committee for the Provincial Executive of the province of Limburg.
  * [[https://www.veldeke.net/|Veldeke Limburg]]\\ Umbrella organisation for language promotion, whith the aim to preserve and promote the language. Veldeke covers 10 circles in Limburg:
    * [[https://veldekekrinkech.nl/oos-taal/laeze-en-sjrieve/|Veldeke Krink Ech]] (NL: Echt). Also offers courses on the variety of Echt.
    * [[http://www.veldekeremunj.nl/oos-taal/laeze-en-sjrieve/|Veldeke Remunj]] (Nl: Roermond). Also offers courses on the variety of Roermond.
    * [[https://veldekezitterd.nl/|Veldeke Zitterd]] (Nl: Sittard). Also offers (speed)courses on the variety of Sittard.
    * [[http://www.veldeke.net/lb/krink-um-mamelis/|Krink Um Mamelis]] Also offers (speed)courses on the variety of Mamelis.
    * [[http://www.veldeke-valkeberg.nl/|Veldeke Krink Valkeberg]] (Nl: Valkenburg ). Also offers courses on the variety of Valkenburg.
    * [[https://veldekevenlo.nl/|Veldeke Krink Venlo]] Also offers courses on the variety of Venlo.
    * [[https://veldekevenray.nl/|Veldeke Venroj]] (Nl: Venray). Also offers courses on the variety of Venray.
    * [[https://veldekewieert.nl/|Veldeke krînk Wieërt]] (Nl: Weert). Also offers courses on the variety of Weert.
    * [[http://www.veldeke.net/lb/veldeke-krink-heele-umstrieeke/|Veldeke Krink Heële]] (Nl: Heerlen)
    * [[https://www.veldekemestreech.nl/|Veldeke Mestreechs]] (Nl: Maastricht)
  * [[https://vldn.be/|Vereniging Limburgse Dialect- en Naamkunde (VLDN)]] The association of Limburg Dialect and Onomastics
  * [[https://willydolsstichting.nl/|Willy Dols Stichting]] Foundation for the Sittards/Zittesj variety. 
  * [[https://hklimburg.nl/|Huis voor de Kunsten Limburg]] (Eng: House for the arts Limburg) is an advisory organisation and knowledge centre, with the aim to support arts and heritage in Limburg. The organisation advices the provincial government of Limburg on all subsidy applications concerning language.  
 

====Online resources====

===Linguistics, grammars, dictionaries ====

  * [[https://limburgs.org/nl/woordenboek/|D’n Dictionair]]\\  Online dictionary Limburgish which can translate to and from English and Dutch. The dictionary covers the varieties from Maastricht, Roermond, Sittard, Valkenburg and Venlo, and it is based on the //Spelling 2003 voor de Limburgse Dialecten//. D'n Dictionair is also available as an app.  
  * [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Spelling-2003.pdf|Spelling 2003 voor de Limburgse dialecten]] (Eng: Spelling 2003 for the Limburgish dialects). \\ Document which sets out spelling guidelines for the Limburgish varieties (in Dutch)

===Learning materials====

  * [[https://www.veldeke.net/jeugd/lesbrieven/|Veldeke lesbrieven]] Thematic educational materials (in Dutch) to learn about Limburgish language, culture and/or history, aimed at the highest classes of primary education (11-12 years old).
  * [[https://www.piepekoek.nl/|Piepekoek]] (Eng: peekaboo). Short animated videos for chidlren in pre-school education. Developed by Raod veur 't Limburgs.  
  * [[https://limburgs.levendetalen.nl/wp-content/uploads/sites/17/2020/01/input_deelnemers_def.pdf|3M-project multilingual activities]] Classroom activities with Limburgish activities, aimed at awareness the appreciation of the (home)languages (in Dutch)
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3-LgVCFKt0|Jongk Gelieërd, Good Gedaon!]] In development: Limburgish songs for pre-school education.

===Other ====

  * [[https://www.dbnl.org/letterkunde/limburg/index.php|library collection]] More than 400 texts from and about Limburgish history and literature.
  * [[https://limburgs.org/nl/toetsenbord/| Limburgish Swiftkey]] Microsoft Swiftkey keyboard application to support the use of any Limburgish variety on mobile applications
  * [[https://www.veldeke.net/wp-content/uploads/2018/11/plaatsnamelies_12022013.pdf|Plaatsnamelies]] List of place names in Limburgish
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spLuKgi8WcM| video about Limburgish varieties]] The video covers Belgium and the Netherlands 
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YqFbV7vFIK8| Wikitongues video]] variety nearby Roermond.
  * [[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8xyZ-EkPGAk&t=59s| video about Limburgish language variety]] the video (in Dutch) expands on Limburgish as tonal language