The languages of Jersey politics

The States Assembly Podcast

Did you know that Jersey's politicians are allowed to speak any of 3 languages in States meetings? That means you could hear English, French or Jèrriais during the course of a meeting.
These days most of the States Assembly's business is conducted in English, but this wasn't always the case. The original language of Jersey's parliament was French, and it wasn't so long ago that it became possible for English to be used. Perhaps unexpectedly, the 'newest' language allowed in the Chamber is Jèrriais.
There are several times in States meetings where French is still traditionally used, for example during prayers and roll call. We talk about the history behind the evolution of the languages of Jersey politics, the practicalities of when Members choose to speak in French or Jèrriais, and we take a quick dip into the moments where the rules are broken and things veer into unparliamentary language!
Interviewee: Will Millow
Episode host: Emily Thomas
Music: Pumpupthemind

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Kapitel

1. Introduction (00:00:00)

2. Allowing English in the States Assembly (00:01:47)

3. How politicians speak in the Assembly today (00:11:21)

4. What rules on language are there? (00:13:27)

5. How is French used in today's States Assembly? (00:15:07)

6. Voting in French (00:23:40)

7. How was Jèrriais introduced to the States Assembly? (00:24:52)

8. Unparliamentary language! (00:28:59)

9. Can petitions really be in any language? (00:33:42)

10. Can the Assembly be described as multilingual? (00:36:13)

11. Could parliamentary language become less formal in time? (00:38:29)