On 23 December 2020, the United Kingdom notified the Council of Europe that it will apply Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages to the Manx Gaelic language in respect of the territory of the Isle of Man, in accordance with the decision taken by the Isle of Man authorities.
This decision significantly strengthens the protection and promotion of the Manx Gaelic language. By applying Part III of the Charter, the Isle of Man authorities undertake to implement 37 promotional measures covering, for example, preschool education in Manx Gaelic and the possibility to submit documents and applications in the language to authorities. In addition, Manx Gaelic shall be used in broadcasts, the press, cultural activities, economic and social life, and cross-border cooperation.
The extension of Part III of the Charter to Manx Gaelic reflects the successful revival of this Celtic language, which was extinct in the 1970s.
This is the first time since 2008 that a State Party to the Charter has accepted additional undertakings under this treaty. The Council of Europe encourages States Parties to regularly review their level of commitment under the Charter so as to reflect improvements in the situation of their regional or minority languages.
The Treaty Office notification can be consulted here: https://www.coe.int/en/web/conventions/notifications
