EU Language Officer meets Hessian Farmer: An intercultural Discourse on Language Education
Channel: Felix Hellfeier
Date: 11/05/2014

In order to discuss the implementation of new policies in regard of minority languages/multilingual education, an EU language officer and expert on culture and education (Felix H.) meets a Hessian farmer (Pascal S.) in the multicultural city of Maastricht, in the Netherlands. Whereas the former stands for educational 'strong models' focusing on bilingualism, the latter favors educational 'non-models' to preserve the dialect. Can they come to an agreement? 
The video shows their conversation on a language-policy based text that was discussed in the course After Babel -- Language Policies in the EU and incorporates differing personal views, criticism and examples of daily life. 
Although the German dialect 'Hessisch' is not recognized as a minority language this video wants to show, in a creative approach, that not only minority languages are affected; but that this discussion can be easily transferred to our everyday life. In the broader context though, it represents current language situations all over Europe, preferably those leading to conflicts. 
Enjoy watching the video -- and do not forget to preserve your minority language or regional dialect.
Yours,
Felix & Pascal