The Irish Language in Northern Ireland: The Politics of Culture and Identity

by Camille C. O'Reilly

Overview

The phrase "our own language" has come to symbolize the importance of the Irish language to Irish identity for many Nationalists in Northern Ireland. However, different interests compete to have their version of the meaning and importance of the Irish language accepted. Talk about the Irish language can usefully be divided into three discourses, all of which are vehicles for competing constructions of the meaning and significance of the Irish language for Irish people in the North today. One of these discourses has been adopted in part by institutions and individuals in positions of power and influence, while the other two present alternative, oppositional ideological constructions. This book investigates the role of the Irish language movement in the social construction of competing versions of Irish political and cultural identity in Northern Ireland, arguing that for some Nationalists, the Irish language has become an alternative point of political access and expression.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780333719633
Publisher:	Palgrave Macmillan UK
Publication date:	04/12/1999
Edition description:	1999
Pages:	213
Product dimensions:	5.51(w) x 8.50(h) x (d)

About the Author

CAMILLE C. O'REILLY is Lecturer in Social Anthropology at Richmond, the American International University in London. She has published a number of articles on the Irish Language revival in Northern Ireland.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgements Preface Introduction Language and Culture in Northern Ireland: The Background to the Irish Language Revival Movement Identifying the Three Discourses Decolonizing Discourses Cultural Discourse Rights Discourse The Discourses in Practice: Four Case Studies Irish Language Discourses in the Republic of Ireland Northern Ireland, Brittany and Quebec Conclusion Appendix 1: Timeline of Some Important Events in Northern Irish History Appendix 2: Funding Criteria for Independent Schools Glossary Notes Bibliography Index

Editorial Reviews

O'Reilly (social anthropology, The American International U. in London) investigates the role of the Irish language movement in the social construction of competing versions of Irish political and cultural identity in Northern Ireland. She discusses the three discourses that are vehicles for competing constructions of the meaning and significance of the Irish language for Irish people in the North today, arguing that for some Nationalists, the Irish language has become an alternative point of political access and expression. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Booknews

'This is an important study of a virtually unresearched topic - the conflictual politics of Irish language revival in Belfast. Based on skilled and sensitive field-work it deals with an emotive and politicised topic with empathy and detachment. At the same time its focus on the politics of discourse gives it analytical bite and relevance far beyond the particularities of the Northern Ireland case.' - Joseph Ruane, University College, Cork

From the Publisher