Gaelic in Scotland: Policies, Movements, Ideologies

This book explores the policies of government, activists, and campaigners that have sought to maintain and promote Gaelic in modern Scotland, examining the competing ideologies that have driven its decline, marginalization, and revitalization. It examines the campaign for the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and assesses the development and delivery of Gaelic education and media.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 456 pages
Publication date: 31 May 2022
Publisher: Edinburgh University Press

This comprehensive examination of the evolving role of Gaelic in contemporary Scotland spans from the introduction of state education in 1872 to the present day. In his in-depth study, Wilson McLeod delves into the policies of government, the efforts of activists, and campaigners who have strived to maintain and promote Gaelic. Furthermore, he analyzes the competing ideologies that have contributed to the decline, marginalization, and subsequent revitalization of the language.

Approaching the subject from an interdisciplinary perspective, the book crosses the boundaries of history, law, language policy, and sociolinguistics. It relies on a diverse array of sources in both English and Gaelic to examine in detail the development of the language policy regime for Gaelic that emerged between 1975 and 1989. The book scrutinizes the campaign for the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005, its contents, and its implementation. Additionally, it assesses the evolution and delivery of Gaelic education and media from the late 1980s to the present.

Through its comprehensive analysis, this book offers valuable insights into the complex dynamics surrounding the preservation and promotion of Gaelic in modern Scotland. It sheds light on the historical, political, and social factors that have shaped its trajectory and highlights the ongoing challenges and opportunities faced by those who advocate for its preservation and growth.

Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781474462402