Activity 10

Read this interesting research by James Costa, a sociolinguist who explores aspects of language diversity and the use of minority languages in Europe, including the standardisation of minority languages such as Scots. In this article, Costa asks ‘Can schools dispense with standard language?’. In his study Costa explores the use of Scots language for literacy development in a primary school context and discovers some ‘unintended consequences’ of the use of Scots. He also investigates the changes in the teacher-pupils relationship and lesson dynamics through the introduction of Scots into the classroom. Note that Costa wrote this publication before the launch of the Scots Language Policy in 2015.

When reading the article, focus in the introduction, take some notes on the following points as well as on aspects you found interesting and which you think are particularly relevant for your own work.

• How is a teacher’s authority in the classroom defined in connection with language use, and what impact has the use of Scots language on this authority?

• What does Costa say about legitimising Scots in educational contexts?

• What are the unintended consequences of using Scots in education, which Costa mentions in the article titles?

Other relevant literature

    • ‘Challenges in Scots language planning – and the way forward’ James K. Puchowski 

    • ‘On the Pros and Cons of Standardizing Scots: Notes from the North of a Small Island’ James Wilson Costa 

    • ‘Fitting in: why Polish immigrant children say “aye” to the Glasgow vibe’ Sadie Ryan