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The Charter on Language Policy and Language Rights in the Creole-speaking Caribbean

26 May 2018 1:20 AM | Jo-Anne Sharon Ferreira (Administrator)


The Charter on Language Policy and Language Rights in the Creole-speaking Caribbean was developed based on extensive scientific research done on Creole languages throughout the Caribbean for over five decades. Against this background, linguists and Creole language activists are now pressing for the recognition  of the right of persons who speak Creole languages throughout the Caribbean through the implementation of the Charter by governments and other public bodies. 

The International Centre for Caribbean Language Research (ICCLR) Working Group deliberated on a Draft Charter during the last three months of 2010. This Charter was debated at the Conference on Language Rights and Policy which was held in Jamaica on 13-14 
January 2011 and after some modification, adopted and signed by all those who attended. 


The Charter proposes the establishment of a Regional Language Council which will promote the implementation of the Charter in each territory,  as well as providing, through the ICCLR, research support to each Creole-speaking territory.  The Charter seeks to identify the language rights which Caribbean citizens can expect and demand in the following four areas :-

  • Public Administration (official bodies) and  the Socioeconomic sphere
  • Education in School
  • Education out of School
  • Culture

The Charter is now being circulated to governments and civil society groups as well as individuals for ratification, support and implementation.  This is in an effort to ensure that the language rights of Caribbean citizens are protected throughout the region.


Reposted by the kind permission of the ICCLR.

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