BM88: Resolution to Recognize Faroese as a Distinct Native Language in Danish Higher Education
A significant number of Faroese students choose to travel abroad to pursue higher education – the majority chooses to study in Denmark. With only one university in the Faroe Islands and (right now) a limited range of programs available, most Faroese students are compelled to move abroad for higher education. However, Danish universities do not consistently recognize Faroese as a distinct native language, resulting in significant inequalities that hinder Faroese students’ academic potential.
The Current Problem
Under the present legal framework in Denmark, Law on exams and tests in universities § 6, stk. 2, cf. § 6, stk. 1 (BKG 2021-12-01 nr 2271) allows for “special circumstances” for students “that have a different native language than danish”. The provision does not mandate universities to recognize Faroese as a different native language from Danish. While this provision does not prohibit such recognition, it leaves the decision to individual institutions, many of which choose not to offer accommodations for Faroese students. This inconsistency creates inequity:
- Faroese students in Denmark are denied extra time or special accommodation, unlike their fellow students with other native language than Danish, who receive such support.
- E.g. Icelandic students in Denmark are granted extra time due to their native language, even though Icelandic is linguistically very similar to Faroese.
- Swedish and Norwegian students are allowed to be examined in their native languages, while Faroese students are not.
This situation exacerbates inequality for Faroese students, both in relation to Danes, other non-Danish students and among Faroese themselves, depending on their university’s policy. It disregards Faroese students’ need for accommodations and fails to reflect the fact that Faroese is a distinct native language with its own grammar, vocabulary, and cultural significance.
The biggest university in Denmark Copenhagen University does not recognize Faroese as a distinct native language, alongside other universities such as Copenhagen Business School. Both of which hold a significant number of Faroese students.
The lack of recognition disproportionately affects Faroese students’ ability to participate on equal terms in academia. Without extra time or the opportunity to use their native language, these students may underperform compared to their peers, not due to a lack of knowledge but because of linguistic barriers. This inequality prevents Faroese students from showcasing their full academic potential and contributes to an unjust educational experience. This is furthermore a disregard to the Faroese autonomy, culture and language.
We stress that this is not a motion to get better standing than the Danish students, but to be equal. We will still adhere to, Law on exams and tests in universities § 6, stk. 1, which states; “It is a prerequisite that the offer does not change the academic level of the test or examination”.
Call to Action
MFS and DSF call upon the Faroese government and its representatives in Denmark to advocate for legislative changes that address this issue. Specifically, we want that they demand the Danish government or relevant state organizations:
- To explicitly recognize Faroese as a distinct native language in the context of higher education.
- Mandate uniform policies across all Danish universities to ensure Faroese students are entitled to the same accommodations as other students with different native languages.
- Establish provisions allowing Faroese to receive additional time during examination.
Recognizing Faroese as a distinct native language is essential to ensure equal academic opportunities for Faroese students in Denmark. This recognition will eliminate the disparities between universities, align Denmark’s policies with its obligations to linguistic minorities, and affirm the unique cultural and linguistic identity of the Faroese people.
Proposers: MFS, DSF
Seconders: EÜL, USI, LÍS