The question of language vitality and sustainability through empirical examples from Greenlandic Media

All national Greenlandic media are bilingual and focuses on the use of both Greenlandic (the “indigenous”) and Danish (the “colonial”) language. Even though the Greenlandic language is highly used and sustainable as well as highlighted in policymaking, research has shown that in some areas the Danish language is still dominant. This presentation wishes to discuss the use of Danish as the primary language in editorial work at the national media and what the long-term consequences this can have on the vitality and sustainability of the Greenlandic language. Through empirical examples we will discuss and highlight some key issues that are imminent in a bilingual society as the Greenlandic, for instance the extensive (and expensive) use of (simultaneous) interpretations and the barriers this can create in both public and civic life.