The Fryske Akademy (FA-KNAW) is a multidisciplinary institute for the study of Friesland. The institute conducts comparative research on changes in the Frisian language, multilingualism, history, and past and present regional identity.
The Fryske Akademy carries out innovative research (including contract research) of direct relevance to society. Its mission is to function as a ‘Laboratory for Friesland’. In that capacity, it performs innovative research and develops pertinent research instruments showcasing Friesland in the regional, national and international arena.
One of the research groups of the Fryske Akademy, focuses on Language Learning, Education Policy, Multilingualism and Literacy, also with a special focus on minority languages. The FA has a liaison with the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences (KNAW).
- Photo Michel Montsma
The FA is home to the Mercator European Research Centre on Multilingualism and Language Learning (MRC). The MRC focuses on several fields of research, amongst others on policy, education, multilingualism, language learning and minority languages and cultures. Related topics of research focus on language vitality and preservation, languages and minority communities in the digital era, social media use, intercultural dialogue, mobility related to language and culture, just to name but a few. The MRC has an important network function as member of many international networks: The MRC is leading member of the European Mercator Network which exists now for over 25 years, participates in the European Civil Society Platform, and in the Network to Promote Linguistic Diversity (NPLD).
The Fryske Akademy is financed by the Provincial Government of Fryslân and the Royal Dutch Academy of Sciences (KNAW) – http://www.knaw.nl/nl. The Fryske Akademy is liased to the KNAW since 1989.
