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Expert Workshop Mercator Network
On the 2nd December 2009 the Mercator Network of Language Diversity Centres organised an Expert workshop on the topic of new and traditional media and information technology and how it can be used to strengthen linguistic diversity and support language learning. This workshop prepared a conference on that topic, which is going to take place 18th and 19th May in Aberystwyth / Wales. Read more.

Expert in the Spotlight in 2010: Miquel Strubell
The Expert in the Spotlight feature gives you the chance to interact one-in-one with our Ask the expert-section. The feature also provides interesting and insightful comments regarding the subjects mentioned above, in-depth content and exclusive Q and A’s. Featured expert /Area of focus: Miquel Strubell works as executive secretary of Linguamón–U.O.C. Chair in Multilingualism (Barcelona). Linguamón-U.O.C. Chair is the result of a cooperation agreement between Linguamón – House of Languages and the Universitat Oberta de Catalunya in 2006 in order to promote a concept of linguistic diversity that is sustainable, equitable and functional. This cooperation forms part of the multilingualism strategies of the European Union, one of the most significant actions of which is the constitution of networks of university chairs. Read more.

European language resolution drafted during PfD-conference
The Partnership for Diversity conference "The challenging relationship between transmission of cultures and transmission of languages" took place on Friday 30 October in Ljouwert/Leeuwarden, the Netherlands. During the conference a resolution has been drafted which has been approved by the Council of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages (EBLUL) during its annual meeting of 31 October. The resolution appeals the various European, national and regional authorities to develop and implement language planning according to European standards as laid down in the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and the Framework Convention for the protection of national Minorities. Read more.

Database of Experts

Already 375 Experts subscribed the Database of Experts! The Mercator Research Centre is still in search of more Experts. This database creates an easy and quick access to all expertise in the field of European minority languages and it facilitates contacts and cooperation amongst colleagues in this domain. In the mean time 375 experts in the field of European minority languages, bilingualism and multilingualism, language learning, education and language policy subscribed.

Network of Schools

The Network of Schools' mission is to create a platform for multilingual schools in minority regions within Europe in order to facilitate the exchange of information and experiences.

Endangered Languages

The work on Endangered Languages (Phonetics and Ethnolinguistics) at the Fryske Akademy and the Mercator Research Centre is focused on the study of language contrasts, language contact and language change. We investigate the phonetic aspects of languages and dialects of minority and regional languages, in particular those of the Russian Federation and neighbouring countries. This work is supported by grants from the Dutch Organisation for Scientific Research (NWO), the Organisation INTAS of the European Union, the British Library, Japanese Foundations and Sakhalin Energy Investment Company Ltd.

Regional dossiers

The Regional dossiers describe the position of lesser-used languages in education, give information on national and regional education systems, and include the latest statistics regarding lesser-used languages in education in Europe.

The Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning (Mercator Research Centre in short) aims at the acquisition, circulation and application of knowledge. The Mercator Research Centre gathers and mobilises expertise in the field of language learning at school, at home and through cultural participation in favour of linguistic diversity of Europe. The Mercator Research Centre is an independent and recognised reference centre for policymakers and professional workers in the field of multilingual education and language learning. The Mercator Research Centre brings Europe to Fryslân and Fryslân to Europe.

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