Manx language for all: community, cooperation and creativity in the 21st century

This paper looks at the importance of community, cooperation and creativity for the Manx language in the 21st century from the viewpoint of a small cultural charity, the Manx Heritage Foundation, which is now known by its trading name, Culture Vannin (MHF Culture Vannin). Established in 1982, its wide remit relates to the intangible cultural heritage of the Isle of Man. The organisation played a lobbying and funding role in relation to the first Manx Language Officer within schools in 1992, has a track record in making language-related grants, and has employed a Manx Language Development Officer Yn Greinneyder [encourager, motivator] since 1998, initially in conjunction with Manx National Heritage, the Isle of Man’s national museum service. In 2015, MHF Culture Vannin approached the then Isle of Man Department of Education and Children to explore a more coordinated approach to Manx language work, leading to the first multi-agency joint Manx language strategies via Jeebin, a network of Manx language professionals. As a result of Jeebin’s work, the Council of Europe confirmed in 2021 that conditions had been met to extend the protection of Manx under Part III of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Selected examples from the work of MHF Culture Vannin for the language since 1998 will show the importance of community, cooperation and creativity in terms of language advocacy and development in a minority language context, in ways that move beyond traditional language policy and planning. The importance of music, art and playfulness are shown to be central to the community’s emotional and social connection to Manx.