Taal Fan It Hert

In this app, Taal fan it hert (A Language of the Heart), you’ll become an expert about Fryslân, the Frisians and their language of the heart. Read the booklet, watch the videos en take the walking route through Leeuwarden.

Frisian Frisian plays an important role in the province. It's the first language of more than half of the province’s inhabitants and is used to the full in everyday life. Frisian is spoken in many places: in the supermarket, at schools, at the doctor’s surgery and at sports grounds; you’ll come across Frisian everywhere. It's the language of home and hearth – the language you use for laughter or for expressing your anger. It's the language that comes closest to your feelings – the language of the heart.

Booklet The Taal fan it hert app has been designed to accompany the booklet commissioned by the Province of Fryslân. The intention of this publication is to provide a deeper understanding about the Frisian language and about its role in everyday life, ranging from education to healthcare and from culture to government. The app also discusses the history of Frisian and its status both now and in the past.

Photos and video footage The app contains additional information on subjects covered in the booklet (and includes photos and video footage). For example, you can explore in greater detail the Frisian regional languages of Bildts and Stellingwarfs, or you can discover more about Old Frisian law and the ancient Wijnaldum brooch. Moreover, the app provides information about various famous Frisians of great significance to the Frisian language and Frisian culture, such as Eise Eisinga, Marijke Muoi and Douwe Kalma.

Scan icons As you read through the booklet you can simultaneously pick up further information via the app. Scan an icon with your smartphone and your app will take you straight to more information on that subject. Isn’t that useful?

Walking route The app also includes a walking route, which guides you past different buildings in Leeuwarden. All these buildings house important Frisian institutions (e.g. the Afûk, the Fryske Akademy and Tresoar) or have played an important role in the history of Frisian or Frisian culture (e.g. the Court of Appeal and the Fries Museum (Museum of Friesland) on the Zaailand). You’ll also pass by many statues in the city centre: sculptures of Frisians of major significance to the Frisian language, such as Waling Dykstra, as well as other famous Frisians, such as Pieter Jelles Troelstra and Mata Hari.