A Fragile Linguistic Legacy
A new report from the Committee of Experts on the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages warns that despite a robust legal framework, the nation’s most vulnerable minority languages are languishing. While the state has made strides in legislation, the committee concludes that educational support and public visibility for these tongues remain dangerously thin.
The Growing Divide Among Sámi Dialects
The report exposes a divide within the Sámi language family. North Sámi, the most widespread Sámi language, remains in a precarious position, while Lule Sámi and South Sámi, which have fewer speakers, face even greater challenges. The committee points to a chronic lack of educational materials for speakers of Lule and South Sámi and a need to strengthen teacher training for all Sámi languages. Currently, these two languages are not used in court and rarely surface in administrative settings. Authorities are now recommended to take further measures to strengthen the use of these languages before judicial and administrative authorities as well as in the media.
Evolving Support for Kven
There is progress for the Kven language, which has seen an uptick in presence in public life, cultural activities and education. Despite this increased visibility, the committee recommends that the authorities improve media offerings and take further measures to expand Kven instruction at all educational levels, specifically targeting preschool and upper secondary education.
The Near-Total Invisibility of Romanes and Romani
The outlook for Romanes and Romani is stark. The committee describes both as "nearly invisible" in the public sphere and media. Most troubling is that these languages are not taught in the formal education system. Proactive measures are required to protect these languages.
A Three-Decade Commitment Under Scrutiny
Norway was the first state to ratify the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 1993, with the treaty taking force in 1998. The Charter obligates contracting states to actively promote these languages in education, before courts, in administration, in the media, in cultural, economic and social life, as well as in cross-border cooperation. This ninth evaluation report, based on an October 2025 site visit, serves as a formal audit of those promises.
Core Findings for Reform
- Legal Framework: While Norway has further developed its legal framework, the practical application of language rights remains inconsistent.
- Educational Gaps: A critical shortage of teaching materials persists for Lule and South Sámi.
- Systemic Visibility: Romanes and Romani require urgent, proactive support to emerge from near-total invisibility in the public sphere.
- Administrative Access: The committee explicitly recommends that authorities increase the presence of minority languages in courts and administrative authorities.
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