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Taalsurvey 2025: 'Frisian language remains firmly anchored in society '

People and environment

Language and multilingualism

Publication

What is the state of the Frisian language in 2025? The latest language survey shows that the language remains firmly anchored in Frisian society. Nine out of ten residents understand Frisian well, almost two-thirds speak it, and more than half can read it. Writing, however, remains a challenge: only one in five say they can do so well. These findings emphasise that the condition of the Frisian language is remarkably stable and they contradict a common belief that Frisian is in decline. These findings are the result of a joint study by the Fryske Akademy and Planbureau Fryslân.

Language proficiency, attitudes, and use

The results of the study show that young parents speak Frisian to their children more often than older generations, which may indicate a deliberate decision to raise children with Frisian. A comparison with previous language surveys shows that reading and writing skills have improved since 1995 and have remained stable since the previous measurement from 2018, although writing skills are still relatively low.

The study also found striking results in terms of attitudes towards the Frisian language. 63.7% of respondents indicate that they consider the language important for social cohesion and identity. When it comes to the value of Frisian for career or prestige, this percentage is much lower (23.5%). Interestingly, it is not having Frisian as one's native language that predicts how positive someone is about the language, but rather one's own linguistic identity: people who consider themselves Frisian speakers are much more positive than people who identify as Dutch speakers, even if they both grew up speaking Frisian. This points to the growing importance of people’s sense of identity and belonging. 

When it comes to language use, Frisian remains firmly present in domestic and social contexts, although patterns vary by region, age, and level of education. Self-identified identity is also linked to more frequent use of Frisian. Additionally, households were often found to be multilingual. Further research is needed to determine whether this is due to promotional campaigns for the use of Frisian which were launched over the past few years.

Policy recommendations: continued commitment needed 

Based on the results of the study, the Fryske Akademy makes six recommendations for future language policy. The core of these recommendations is that Frisian must be strengthened in both the private domain and education as well as in the public domain and governmental and professional contexts: 

  • Develop policy that responds to linguistic identity. 
  • Continue current policies of improving reading skills in Frisian among young people through practical initiatives and additional research.
  • Continue to invest consistently in Frisian writing education.
  • Make Frisian more visible in professional, academic, and urban contexts.
  • Maintain policies on Frisian-language transmission and strengthen them where possible.
  • Strengthen the position of Frisian in governmental settings. 

The results make it clear that the use of Frisian is not self-evident. Rather, language vitality requires conscious choices and commitment. 

Background information: Language research and monitoring for broad prosperity 

The language survey is a large-scale study of language proficiency, language behaviour, and attitudes toward the Frisian language in Fryslân, which has been conducted periodically since 1967. The latest edition continues this tradition while also breaking new ground with a collaboration between the Fryske Akademy and Planbureau Fryslân. These two parties are currently working together on a recurring follow-up study in the form of a structural language monitor to better track developments in the use and vitality of Frisian. Starting this year, the new Frisian language and identity monitor will also map residents' attitudes towards the language. Due to the importance of the Frisian language for residents of Fryslân, Planbureau Fryslân will be conducting a long-term study on the position of Frisian as a part of its broader prosperity monitoring. 

Fryske Akademy: Research report ‘Taal fan Fryslân. In nije koers’
Planbureau Fryslân: Taalmonitor Friese taal en Identiteit

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