subject: Minister Makes History With Eu Speech In Gaelic [print this page] Today is a momentous day for language, especially the Scottish Gaelic language and therefore the Scottish people.
In the last census of Scotland, which took place in 2001 there were a total of 58,652 Gaelic speakers. The overall pattern for the language has been one of steady decline. However despite the shortage of Gaelic speakers, there is room for optimism.
Scotland Act
With the advent of devolution, Scottish matters have begun to receive greater attention, and the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act was enacted by theScottish Parliamenton 21 April 2005.
In October 2009, a new agreement was made which allows Scottish Gaelic to be used formally between Scottish Government ministers andEuropean Unionofficials. The deal was signed by the UK's representative to the EU and the Scottish government.
This does not give Scottish Gaelicofficial statusin the EU, but gives it the right to be a means of formal communications in the EU's institutions. TheScottish governmentwill have to pay for English translation services from Gaelic to other Europeanlanguages.
The key point to make is that Scottish Gaelic has been allowed to be used. How much it will be used for both formal and casual communication is yet to really be seen, but dont expect English to disappear anytime soon.
Historic day
Scottish education secretary Michael Russell has claimed a place in history as the first person to address an EU meeting in Scots Gaelic.
Mr Russell delivered his speech at a meeting of ministers from all member states discussing education, youth and culture, yesterday.
Interpreters were provided for his colleagues as he spoke about youth policies in Gaelic before reverting to English.
Mr Russell said it was a great honour to be the first minister to deliver a speech in Gaelic.
He said: "The Scottish Government is committed to a sustainable future for the Gaelic language. I can think of no better way to promote the language within Europe than at a Council meeting which, by definition, encourages and promotes multilingualism."
A Memorandum of Understanding signed last year established the technical arrangements to allow Scottish Gaelic to be used within EU institutions.
However, interpretation will only be provided from Scots Gaelic into English, and not from English into Scots Gaelic and the cost of providing interpretation and translation must be borne by the devolved Scottish administration.
Mr Russell said it was a great honour to be the first minister to deliver a speech in Gaelic.