18.UEDIN

Prof.
Robert Dunbar

Task 5.5

Implementing modern language rights

The University of Edinburgh (est. 1583), with over 20,000 undergraduates and 10,000 postgraduates, is consistently ranked amongst the top universities in the world. It is a member of both the League of European Research Universities, an association of 21 leading research-intensive universities in Europe, and the Russell Group, an association of 24 leading United Kingdom research universities. The department of Celtic and Scottish Studies has developed an outstanding reputation for research on all aspects of Gaelic language policy, as well as minority language policy and legislation in general, and has close links with the School of Law, the School of Education, and the department of Linguistics, all having excellent research records.

Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies

Task in the project

The University of Edinburgh will lead task 5.5 on “Implementing modern language rights”. It has a particular responsibility in a policy-oriented project like MIME, because it will focus on assessing the legal feasibility conditions of the policy orientations formulated on the basis of the work of all MIME partners.

Staff

Prof. Robert Dunbar
Roisin McKelvey

Experience

The task leader at the University of Edinburgh is the Chair of Celtic Languages, Literature, History and Antiquities, and was formerly the research director of the £5.29 million ‘Soillse’ research project. He is an expert of the Council of Europe, and works regularly with the Secretariat of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages, and has also advised the Secretariat of the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, and the OSCE. He has served on Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the body responsible for Gaelic language development, and on the board of MG ALBA, the organisation which, with BBC Scotland, founded the Gaelic digital television service ‘BBC ALBA’. He has advised on the development of language legislation in Scotland and Wales.