Chi sono 'nuovi parlanti' di lingua friulana? Alcune considerazioni di politica linguistica

Minority language communities are often the most engaged in revitalisation efforts and in advocating for stronger language policies. They are, therefore, especially interested in understanding the attitudes and practices of ‘new speakers’ – individuals who acquire the language outside traditional contexts of primary socialisation. Examining these speakers provides insight into their motivations and the opportunities language learning presents. Building on this premise, the present study investigates the characteristics of ‘new speakers’ in the Friulian context. It draws on research carried out in educational settings involving both adults and children with migratory backgrounds, focusing on their attitudes towards Friulian, a local minority language that is also taught in schools. The contribution aims to propose methodological insights and recommend future research directions about the application of the ‘new speaker’ category in the Friulian area. These insights may contribute to shaping language policy that acknowledges both the practical use of the language and the conscious choices made by all its speakers.