Neoliberal globalisation and language minoritisation: Lessons from Ireland 2008-18

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

8 Downloads (Pure)

Abstract

The propensity for macro-economic developments to affect the vitality of endangered languages is often alluded to in relevant literature, but rarely explicated in any great detail. Attempting to help rectify this, the case of Irish in the wake of the 2008 economic crash and “Great Recession” which followed is discussed. In addition to examining the effects of austerity on Irish-language institutions and policies, ethnographic data from some of the strongest remaining Irish-speaking communities – collectively known as the “Gaeltacht” – are presented, illustrating some micro-level consequences of macro-level developments. The effects of the recession on the Gaeltacht labour market are discussed, as are issues of migration and community resistance. It is argued that neoliberalism fundamentally conflicts with revitalising minoritised languages.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)103-116
Number of pages14
JournalLanguage and Communication
Volume75
Early online date09 Oct 2020
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01 Nov 2020

Keywords

  • Austerity
  • Gaeltacht
  • Irish
  • Language policy
  • Minority languages
  • Neoliberalism

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Neoliberal globalisation and language minoritisation: Lessons from Ireland 2008-18'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this