Future Language Innovation

ongoing

FLI is an original, transnational cultural collaboration between Wintertuin Curaçao, Wintertuin Netherlands, Escuela de Escritores (Spain) and Escrever Escrever (Portugal) aimed at the protection, development and institutionalization of creole languages, particularly Crioulo, Sranantongo, and Papiamentu, as part of the immaterial heritage of the European Union. Over two years, the partner organizations will build an international platform where literary artists from all participating countries will create new work together. In the process, the artists will receive tutoring and participate in masterclasses on creolization and workshops on creative writing. The artists will present their new work at digital and physical exhibitions in all countries. Furthermore, they will discuss their work and the topics of creolization and hybridization of languages and culture with local audiences. The guidance of participating artists and documentation of the methodology will result in the publication of an online writing course for creole languages. Finally, the consortium will set up and execute initiatives for the inclusion of creole languages in the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. The title of this project, Future Language Innovation (FLI), is inspired by the Creole language Papiamentu. The abbreviation FLI, in Papiamentu, means kite. FLI, or kite, stands for resilience, connection, aspiration, and playfulness. FLI propels linguistic innovation, fosters cultural exchange, celebrates linguistic inclusivity and reciprocity, and drives economic growth by recognizing the immense value of linguistic diversity in CCSs. The long-term goal of FLI is to establish the Future Language Institute, a hybrid institute with headquarters in Curaçao and branches in all countries where creole languages, pidgins, and mixed languages play a significant role.