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Language policy in Nova Scotia
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
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Language policy in Nova Scotia is defined by official monolingualism, certain services provided in French, recognition of indigenous languages, certain projects relating to Gaelic and certain services being provided in American Sign Language.
Official monolingualism
The only official language in the province is English.[1]
French language
The French-language Services Act was passed by the House of Assembly in 2004.[2] It requires that services in the French language be provided by "designated departments, offices, agencies of Government, Crown corporations and public institutions" to the Acadian and francophone community.[2][3] The department responsible for administering the legislation is Acadian Affairs and Francophonie.[3]
Indigenous languages
The Mi'kmaw Language Act was passed by the House of Assembly in 2022 and it establishes a joint committee to create a multi-year strategy for protecting and promoting the Mi'kmaq language.[4] In February 2025, the Canadian federal government announced an investment of CA$7,100,000 in the revitalisation the Mi'kmaq language.[5]
Gaelic language
At its peak, there were approximately 250,000 speakers of Gaelic in Canada, and as of 2021 there were only 2,100 speakers.[6] Children were encouraged not to speak it through corporal punishment.[6]
The Nova Scotia government helped to fund several Gaelic-based projects.[6] The provincial government spent CA$1,900,000 to create a satellite campus of the Royal Cape Breton Gaelic College in Mabou.[6]
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Sign language
Previously Maritime Sign Language was taught to children in school, but this was replaced by American Sign Language, which became the dominant sign language.[7]
American Sign Language interpretation is provided at hospitals through the LanguageLine App.[3]
See also
References
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