Today, we have Amber Tieck telling us about her experiences
as a Regional Language Officer.
Hi Esperians!
It’s been a while since I’ve seen y’all. Probably because it’s been a little over two years since I graduated from the European Languages and Cultures program. Even before completing my last 10 ECT’s, I had already started my master’s program in Multilingualism. The MA Multilingualism is perfect for those who are interested in sociolinguistics and the management of multilingualism in policy, schools, and society. Which is me!
During both programs, I enjoyed a lot of freedom in being able to choose my preferred research topic. My interest in the minority language Low Saxon, which I speak a variant of (Drents), was piqued along the way. I started doing more and more research on the topic and got really into studying minority languages. This led me to apply for a Master’s placement at Huus van de Taol, the regional language organization for Drents, where I now work as a streektaolfunctionaris (regional language officer).
My job consists of a variety of tasks, including managing my own project Heksen en Blauwvarven, teaching guest lectures on Drents and minority language psychology, and supervising elective assignments for students. I get to write and speak about whatever is on my mind that is Drentsrelated, which includes my columns for magazines and papers and our spoken column Dwars deur ‘t Drents on RTV Drenthe, our provincial TV and radio station. I also correct pieces written by others, such as writers or journalists. My tasks are diverse, and I learn more every day. I especially love when I get difficult language questions, as it means I can dive deeper into our library and discover new things. Just a few weeks ago, for example, I discovered why it is that ‘gaogel/gagel’ refers to the palate in one part of the province, but refers to your gums in the other part. Weird, but cool – right?
My experience in the ELC and Multilingualism programs gave me the knowledge and skills to contribute to the development and promotion of Drents language policy and planning. I manage my own project in which I, along with a group of volunteers, do literary research to retrieve unique vocabulary that we’ll use to create a new educational project for children of primary school age.
Being a language activist for Low Saxon is not something I necessarily consider myself to be, but I do love my language and talking about it. The Multilingualism program was the perfect fit for me, and my placement at Huus van de Taol solidified my passion for working in language policy and planning for minority languages. It’s been a fulfilling journey so far, and I look forward to contributing more to the development and promotion of Drents language policy and planning.
If you’re interested in the Multilingualism program or Low Saxon or basically whatever – don’t hesitate to get in touch with be. I would be delighted – seriously – to talk about this some more.
Moi hè!
