The Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity is a pan-European network which encompasses constitutional, regional and smaller-state languages to promote linguistic diversity in the context of a multilingual Europe. Some 50 million EU citizens, 10% of the EU population, speak a regional or minority language.

Over the past 25 years the face of language planning in Europe has changed considerably. Many regional and national governments have established language boards or departments to promote linguistic policies. As a result a new breed of language planning professional has developed with a new and developed expertise in this field. NPLD will respond to this development and provide a forum for these professionals to gain from the considerable benefits of working together. Further cooperation between official bodies who promote the use of minority languages is vital for the development of a coherent strategy for the future survival of these languages.

The Network to promote linguistic diversity will build upon the existing structures that are in place to promote constitutional, regional and smaller-state languages in Europe, namely: EBLUL; the Network of Language Planning Boards and Mercator. The Network includes elements of all of these existing Networks and while it will build upon the excellent work undertaken by them over the past years, it will also respond to the EU’s new linguistic context.

Click below to view a clip of Meirion Prys Jones, Chair of the NPLD, speaking about linguistic diversity