Minority languages in the context of modern language policy: Scotland's experience

The article analyses the role and place of minority languages in the current language policy of Scotland, with a focus on Scottish Gaelic and the Scots language. The key mechanisms for preserving and supporting these languages, their impact on the formation of the cultural, educational and social environment, as well as the ways of integrating linguistic heritage into modern social processes are explored. Attention is paid to legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the legal status of minority languages, language planning, including the creation and implementation of strategies for their revival, and educational programmes designed to promote these languages among the Scottish population. The impact of state support, including through the funding of cultural events, media products and educational programmes, is also discussed. The article also provides examples of organisations whose activities are aimed at preserving the linguistic heritage. The advantages and challenges associated with the implementation of language preservation policies are analysed, especially in the context of globalisation and the dominance of English as the official language of Scotland. An important role in the study is played by the statistical analysis of the dynamics of changes in the use of Scottish Gaelic and Scots over the past 15 years. The study examines trends in the number of speakers, peculiarities of linguistic identity among different generations, as well as differences in language proficiency, analyses the results of the implementation of an active language policy in the country, and considers the prospects for further support for Scottish Gaelic and Scots.