YEN`s Study Visit in 2023

The first study visit of the year occurred in April. Louis, a member of Kenstroll Breizh and a YEN board member for minority rights and politics, visited the Dom Bretanii. A traditional Breton night was organised there with the band Skolvan. The visit highlighted the global presence of the Breton minority, especially in Poznan. Louis praised the ingenuity of Dom Bretanii in organising successful events despite limited financial support. Despite a shortage of volunteers, he observed significant interest in Breton culture among the Polish population. The visit was characterised by cultural exchange, with a highlight being the impressive performance of Breton dance and music during the Skolvan concert. Louis concluded his visit with insights into the adaptability of the Breton minority, stimulating reflection on the future of minority protection and development.

In May, David embarked on a study visit to acquaint himself with the Breton community. He explored the University of Roazhon in Brittany to understand how France addresses regional languages, particularly Breton. The visit encompassed participation in Breton festivals like the Fest-Noz, held both in the capital and the heart of Brittany. Despite its size, David observed that the Breton community is remarkably active and attuned to linguistic issues, with a noticeable Celtic unity prevailing throughout Brittany. This left a lasting impression on him. Inspired by the cohesion and awareness within the Breton community, David is contemplating instilling a similar spirit in his own context. A memorable quote from Cédric, a Breton professor, resonated during the visit: "The French Republic is a religion, a secular faith formed by clerical officials. We, the autonomists, are heretics." This encapsulates the intricate relationship between autonomy and national identity in the Breton context.

In June, David embarked on his second study visit to Lia Rumantscha and Dicziunari Rumantsch Grischun in Switzerland to acquaint himself with Romansh culture. The visit unveiled the impressive, century-long efforts of Dicziunari Rumantsch Grischun in compiling a comprehensive Rhaeto-Romanic dictionary. However, the atmosphere at Lia Rumantscha was less optimistic due to historical challenges in creating a standardised Rhaeto-Romanic language for all speakers. A humorous remark from Daniel at Lia Rumantscha came about when David mentioned the absence of a national flag for Romansh: "A flag? We should have five of them."

In July, Louis and Leah traveled to the "HIGA! 2023-Summit" in Vitoria Gasteiz/Basque Country to gain insights into minoritised languages worldwide. Leah focused on exploring minority language activism and expanding her understanding of minority languages, especially those outside Europe. Inspired by the summit, she actively incorporated Yiddish into her daily life using a technique learned at the event. She found the cultural cue of using the Basque phrase "Urte Askotarako!" to express a desire for lasting connections very appealing.

At "HIGA!", Louis gained insights into the situations of global minorities, realising that the challenges faced by different minorities vary significantly. Simultaneously, he observed many common problems that, in his view, require joint consideration. The unique conference system used at "HIGA!" fascinated him and offered ideas for future formats in YEN. Both Leah and Louis found the "HIGA! 2023-Summit" to be an enriching experience, providing a global perspective on minority language activism and inspiring new initiatives in their respective communities.

In July, before attending "HIGA!", Louis gained similar experiences during a study visit to the folk music festival of the Sorbian community in eastern Germany. It marked his first encounter with the Sorbians, revealing both similarities and differences. The event provided him with new insights into traditional music and culture, sparking his interest in integrating this perspective into his own minority community. A notable realisation from the visit was the recognition of a cross-cultural exchange, where the Sorbian community drew inspiration from Louis' school in Brittany while also serving as an example to the Basque people.

Louis' explorations continued in August with a visit to the Assyrian community in Sweden, which coincided with a memorial day for the Assyrian genocide. It became clear how much the community in Södertälje has established itself since the 1970s and how much the language and culture have been preserved over generations. He was impressed by the multifaceted Assyrian organisation, which includes media, sport and a women's office. The determination and resilience of the Assyrian community left a lasting impression on him and made him want to introduce similar practices in his own minority. A poignant moment of the visit was the warm welcome Louis received.

Following an inspiring encounter with members of the Roma community in Greece during a study session at a youth center of the Council of Europe organised by Ergo Network and ternYpe, Leah decided to visit the Roma community in Thessaloniki at the end of the year. There, she became aware of the structural discrimination facing the Roma community. A dedicated Roma activist shared insights into neighborhood segregation, where many Roma are compelled to reside in areas lacking basic infrastructure like electricity and water. Simultaneously, there are "too-integrated" neighborhoods where only a few can openly identify as Roma. Despite the heterogeneity within the Roma community posing challenges for forming a unified organisation, Leah connected with various groups fighting against structural discrimination.

One such organisation is the NGO "Reyma," dedicated to combating antigypsyism and advocating for the visibility of the Roma community. Similarly committed is the women's association "Light House of the World Pharos Kutamo". Leah discovered how these organisations specifically address the diverse needs of the heterogeneous Roma community.

Despite a snowstorm, Leah continued her journey to Sofia to participate in a jam session hosted by the city's only klezmer band. This ensemble, founded by an Ashkenazi Jewish individual she had previously met at the Yiddish Summer Festival in Weimar, aims not only to entertain Bulgarian society but also to promote Jewish music. Simultaneously, it serves as a bridge between Sephardic and Ashkenazi Judaism. The next day, Leah explored a synagogue featuring an exhibition about Jewish life in Sofia. She was particularly captivated by writings in Ladino and intends to investigate the existence of a Ladino-speaking community in Sofia during her next visit.