Why Can’t I Put My Language as Lowlands Scots?

Great Scottish culture is rich in language and dialects. However, when trying to identify one's language as 'Lowlands Scots' on official forms or online platforms, it often leads to confusion or rejection. This article delves into the nuances of the Scottish language and explains why designations like 'Lowlands Scots' might not be recognized.

Understanding the Dialect Landscape of Scotland

The language landscape of Scotland is diverse and complex. While the official census provides a specific box for those who can speak 'Scots,' even living in the Lowlands of Scotland and using colloquialisms and slang doesn't automatically make one's language 'Lowlands Scots.' The term 'Lowlands Scots' is not recognized as a distinct language by official channels.

The Official Recognition and Use of Scots on the Census

During the last Scottish census, over 1.5 million people identified as speaking Scots. This recognition is thoughtfully included to acknowledge the cultural and linguistic heritage of the Scottish people. However, the term 'lalands' (Lowlands) is often used by non-Scots to denote the region where Scots is spoken. There is no official acknowledgment of 'Lowlands Scots' as a distinct language. Instead, it is often considered a dialect of English or possibly an ancient one.

Personal Experience and Language Use

Personal experience often plays a crucial role in language identification. On Quora, a user shared their experience of identifying their languages as 'Scottish English' and 'Scots language.' Despite living in the United States for 17 years, the user can still code-switch seamlessly between these languages. They explain that even though they might use colloquialisms and slang, the official language options do not provide a specific choice for 'Lowlands Scots. '

Code-Switching and Language Identity

Code-switching is a common practice among multilingual speakers, exemplified by the user who codes-switch between 'Scottish English' and 'Scots language.' This reveals that the identification of a language often depends more on cultural and personal identity than on a formal linguistic classification. The user also shares their personal preference for simply referring to the language as 'Scots,' without any additional qualifiers.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the language landscape of Scotland is rich and diverse. While the term 'Lowlands Scots' might be used colloquially, it is not officially recognized. The formal identification of languages such as 'Scots' and 'Doric' is crucial for cultural and linguistic heritage. Whether language is identified as 'Scottish English' or 'Scots,' personal choice and cultural identity play significant roles. If you're passionate about your language, embrace it as it is, and let your identity shine through.