Groningen University launches Frisian language degree

Groningen University has introduced a bachelor's degree focused on the Frisian language, marking the first standalone course in the country's second official language in 15 years. The program, which commenced with three students this week, delves into linguistics, history, and Frisian culture. Frisian once held its own degree program until 2012, when it was merged with a broader Minorities & Multilingualism curriculum.

The merger proved too small to sustain, and the university announced plans to phase out the program by 2025/26. However, a rescue plan was put in place after the Royal Netherlands Academy of Arts and Sciences (KNAW) recommended that the state fund a dedicated bachelor's degree. The Dutch government allocated €340,000 annually, supplemented by provincial funds.

Though the new degree operates as a track within the university's Dutch Languages and Cultures program, its primary focus remains wholly on Frisian. Professor Arjen Versloot, who expressed satisfaction with the initial intake, noted that small language programs often have fewer than 20 students to break even. He emphasized that despite the language's limited speakers, it should not be taken for granted.

Schools in Friesland are now mandated to incorporate more Frisian instruction in classrooms, a shift that Versloot anticipates will create demand for well-qualified teachers. Frisian is primarily spoken by approximately 470,000 people in Friesland, the closest living relative of English. Encouragingly, reading and writing proficiency in Frisian has witnessed a significant surge over the past two decades, even as the number of native speakers has declined.

In 2007, only 46% of residents claimed proficiency in reading Frisian, whereas that figure has risen to 58% today. Similarly, self-reported writing proficiency has nearly doubled, climbing from 9.6% to 18.9% during the same period.