Norman Languages' Scientific Committee in Jersey
Jersey hosted the annual Scientific Committee of Norman Dialects on 18th and 19th September. This fifth edition gathered academics and linguists of the Norman dialects, to discuss their ongoing and upcoming projects to preserve and promote the region’s unique linguistic heritage. Both Jersey and Guernsey have a representative each on the Scientific Committee.
Under the leadership of regional president Hervé Morin, Normandy has put efforts in celebrating and preserving its linguistic identity, aiming to raise both awareness and pride of the region’s heritage. One of the key initiatives is the Scientific Committee of Norman Dialects. These meetings explore the rich linguistic heritage of Normandy and shape future events and celebrations of the language.
Beyond events, the region has also focused on educational initiatives to integrate the Norman dialect into schools. However, these efforts face challenges due to the French Ministry of Education refusing to recognise Norman as a regional language. This has resulted in limited teaching, with some schools offering classes on a voluntary basis outside regular school hours, on the same model as the teaching of Jèrriais in Jersey. Despite these obstacles, there are plans to continue advocating for the recognition of the language.
In higher education, the University of Caen offers a University Diploma (DU) in Norman Studies to ensure the survival and flourishing of Norman heritage.
The most ambitious project of this committee is the creation of a digital “Atlas linguistique de la Normandie” with recordings of linguistic variations across the region, which aims to make the data more accessible and interactive to both researchers and the general public.
Other projects include adding Norman names on villages signage, the translation of “Astérix chez les Normands”, and more.
These projects are an important stepping stone in preserving and revitalising Normandy's linguistic identity and are laying the ground for future cultural opportunities tied to its rich heritage, such as the celebrations of 2027, Year of the Normans and Millennium of William The Conqueror.
The next Scientific Committee will take place in Normandy in 2025.