regionallanguages

Regional languages are language varieties spoken in specific geographic areas within a country or across closely linked regions. They are distinct from the national or official language used for government and schooling, though they may be taught in schools, used in regional media, and protected by law. Regional languages can range from fully developed codified standards to traditional dialects that differ in vocabulary, pronunciation, and grammar from the dominant language. They frequently coexist with a standard language and with other minority languages, creating multilingual settings.

Policy and protection: In many countries, regional languages receive targeted support through language planning, education in the regional language, public signage, broadcasting quotas, and cultural promotion. International instruments such as the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages and national constitutions shape recognition and funding. Implementation varies by region, politics, and resources.

Education and vitality: The status of a regional language depends on intergenerational transmission, literacy materials, and institutional support. Strong regional languages often have schools, media, and literature in that language, while weaker ones face endangerment. Revival and maintenance programs rely on communities, NGOs, and digital tools to produce content and facilitate learning.

Examples: Catalan in northeastern Spain, Welsh in Wales, Basque in the Basque Country, Frisian in the Netherlands, Tamil in Tamil Nadu, Marathi in Maharashtra, and Scottish Gaelic in Scotland. The term regionallanguages serves as an umbrella label in policy and academic discourse for language varieties tied to specific regions, rather than to nations alone.