Nedersaksisch to become official part of Dutch language

The government and the provinces of Groningen, Drenthe, Friesland and Gelderland will sign a covenant this week that will make Nedersaksisch an official, independent and full part of the Dutch language. In the covenant the government promises to protect and promote Nedersaksisch, known as Low Saxon in English, NOS reports.

Low Saxon is spoken in Groningen, Drenthe, Overijssel, the northeast Veluwe, the Achterhoek and in Oost- and Weststellingwerf. The official recognition comes with money for language projects, and for schools that want to promote a dialect in Lower Saxon.

Henk Scholte of the Center for Groninger Language and Culture is very pleased with the recognition, he said to RTV Noord. "It is a huge step forward. Many doors are opening for us to stimulate the Groninger language, for example for applying for grants."

Te covenant will be signed on Monday.