Guernesiais
Guernsey Museum & Art Gallery,
Guernsey
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The new Guernsey Language Commission has been set up to help save Guernsey's own language, Guernésiais, by raising awareness of the language and assisting the existing groups and individuals that already do so much to celebrate and teach the language. With support from the Guernsey Language Commission, including financial support, they can be even more effective.
The States Strategic Plan, reaffirmed by the States early in 2013, requires that "the government of Guernsey aims to protect and improve the island's environment, unique cultural identity and rich heritage." Clearly our own language is very close to the top of the list of priorities in terms of our environment, identity and heritage.
The Culture and Leisure Department's own vision document will highlight "positive attributes of our island that we inherit from previous generations, maintain, enhance and enjoy in the present and bestow for the benefit of future generations." Following on from the successful introduction of the Guernsey Sports Commission and the Guernsey Arts Commission, Culture and Leisure has set up the Guernsey Language Commission to fulfill this past, present and future criteria for our language which it deems to be a very "positive attribute".
The intention to form the Guernsey Language Commission was made public at a presentation in early February 2013 at Beau Sejour. The official launch, including this website, took place on 9 May 2013, the island's national day, Liberation Day.
The Guernsey Language Commission will be funded by a grant from Culture and Leisure but will also be seeking support from the private sector and local individuals.
The Guernsey Language Commission's slogan is "speaking up for our language".