Save Guernesiais body plans to take an active approach

At the commission’s first working party meeting, 16 islanders with an interest in Guernsey’s native language began brainstorming ideas to keep it alive, and looked forward to attending regular meetings and workshops.

‘It went very well – the idea was to get everyone together because we wanted to start getting to know each other and to be clear about what we wanted to do,’ said Steve Foote from the commission.

‘It was a good turnout. About two-thirds of the people who expressed an interest came and we agreed we are going to meet a number of times over the summer.’

From native speakers, to learners and those involved in recent rejuvenation efforts, there were a variety of islanders at the meeting.

‘The idea was to get a board range of perspectives – we need to build a consensus across all the different groups,’ Mr Foote added.

The commission has received three years of funding from Education, Sport & Culture, and will be approaching the committee in autumn, once it has a detailed plan.

‘We will identify and prioritise all the things that will be realistic and achievable in the three-year window. We want to raise the profile of the language, especially in young adults, and encourage more use of the language in signs and media.’

Teaching will be a core part of embedding the language into day-to-day life, and Mr Foote hoped both the older and younger generation would be involved.

‘The native speakers feel that if they don’t pass it on now, it will be a lost opportunity,’ he added.

‘Many learnt by hearing it spoken and picking it up, and young people absorb it a lot more quickly. There are definitely benefits of growing up multilingual which are well-documented.’

Teaching in the form of learning resources and apps will also be considered.

. For more information, visit www.language.gg.