Revitalising Languages and Safeguarding Cultural Diversity

Project Information

RISE UP

Grant agreement ID: 101095048

DOI

10.3030/101095048

Project closed

EC signature date 12 December 2022

Start date 1 February 2023

End date 31 January 2026

Funded under

• Culture, creativity and inclusive society

Total cost

€ 1 872 192,50

EU contribution

€ 1 872 192,00

Coordinated by

MINDS & SPARKS GMBH
Austria

Periodic Reporting for period 2 - RISE UP (Revitalising Languages and Safeguarding Cultural Diversity)

Reporting period: 2024-02-01 to 2025-01-31

Summary of the context and overall objectives of the project

The focus of RISE UP is on revitalising minoritised languages and safeguarding cultural diversity, empowering endangered language communities by building connections between relevant actors, identifying good practices already in place and developing methods through a multi-disciplinary approach. Furthermore, RISE UP has worked to foster the self-confidence of minoritised language communities. A “language community”, to our understanding, includes learners, new speakers, people who have not yet had the chance to learn their heritage language(s), supporters, and more.

Five communities have been selected which RISE UP has been working with most closely:
* Aranese (Spain (Val d’Aran), France) 
* Aromanian/Vlach (Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, North Macedonia, Serbia and Romania) 
* Burgenland Croatian (Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Czech Republic) 
* Cornish (United Kingdom)
* Seto (Estonia and Russia)

RISE UP collects and analyses context information and policies for endangered languages for Europe generally and for the selected communities specifically. The project is working to create a set of tools to improve the possibilities to learn those languages, and to interconnect and involve relevant actors and especially young people. Thus, RISE UP endeavours to provide support and empowerment to
endangered language communities in Europe with a team of eight organisations from six European countries.

Work performed from the beginning of the project to the end of the period covered by the report and main results achieved so far

As one of the first steps an extensive stakeholder collection has taken place. The collection comprises lists for organisations/associations/networks, community contacts, projects, network contacts (single persons) and events. It follows the concept of a living document, thus the lists are constantly growing.

From a scientific point of view, one main achievement was the RISE UP Questionnaire designed for the five selected language communities, which contains questions on topics related to language vitality, language policies and theoretical background, linguistic ecosystems, and the situation of the respective language community. It was collaboratively developed by all partners involved in research tasks, is available in 17 languages – including those of the selected language communities. They were analysed for publications on language vitality, language policies and theoretical background, linguistic ecosystems, and the situation of the respective
language community.

Knowledge and best practices are shared at online networking events, like on how digital tools can support minoritised languages, one on minoritised language networking at various scales, and another on minoritised language media. RISE UP’s art initiatives (the artistic residency “Voices of Community” and the travelling exhibition “WHAT!?”) also served to platform minoritised language artists, exchange cultural practices, and build valuable inter- and intra-community connections.

One of the main outcomes of the project is the RISE UP Digital Toolset, which includes various resources built for members and supporters of minoritised language communities and partners are collaborating on integrating modern language learning
methodologies, such as linguistic risk-taking and concepts like the “Icelandic Village”. RISE UP has published a list of Minoritised Language Resources (including associations, events, facilities and services, competitions and awards, digital apps and services, and print and social media), as well as a list of past, present, and planned Minoritised Language Projects (“Pitching Platform”) on its website.

Both lists are “alive”; they can be freely accessed by anyone, and new entries can be submitted via a form.

Progress beyond the state of the art and expected potential impact (including the socio-economic impact and the wider societal implications of the project so far)

The circumstances of the selected language communities have been examined from a sociolinguistic and ethnological perspective.
There is a real paucity of endangered language research and support in Europe, especially in certain communities (e.g. Seto), and six provisional key needs have been identified: (Further) Research & Allyship, Inclusion of more varieties, Support & Funding, Educational Access & Materials, Usage Support & Resources, and Public Awareness.
Additionally, the RISE UP Digital Toolset – which will be freely accessible – is designed as a long-term resource for minoritised language communities and/or those interested in minoritised languages, and includes modules that engage learners through a gamification approach.

RISE UP Logo