University of Galway History Seminar: Irish Language Policy, 1922-2022: The Role of Broadcasting in Language Revitalisation

University of Galway History Seminar

Dr John Walsh 

(University of Galway)

Irish Language Policy, 1922-2022: The Role of Broadcasting in Language Revitalisation 

Abstract

In this seminar, I will focus on the development of Irish language policy since the foundation of the state in 1922. Although a key part of government policy over the past century, the Irish language was barely discussed during the Decade of Centenaries programme or in public or academic discourse around the commemorations. I will begin by outlining concepts of language policy and language planning as understood in other minority language settings and apply them to the Irish context. I will then summarise salient aspects of policy as related to speakers of Irish, the Gaeltacht, education, legislation and broadcasting. The main part of the seminar will consist of a case-study of broadcasting as a central plank of Irish language policy, with a particular focus on community media. I will conclude by critically reviewing Irish language policy since independence and identify key themes for the next century. 

Biography

Dr John Walsh is an Associate Professor of Irish in the School of Languages, Literatures and Cultures. His latest monograph One Hundred Years of Irish Language Policy, 1922-2022 was published last year by Peter Lang. John’s research interests span the sociolinguistics of Irish, language policy, minority language media and language revitalisation. He is also currently serving as Vice-Dean (Equality, Diversity, Inclusion and People) in the College of Arts, Social Sciences and Celtic Studies. 

Registration

This is a hybrid event. The paper will be delivered, in-person, in Room G010, Hardiman Research Building, University of Galway and streamed simultaneously on Zoom: https://nuigalway-ie.zoom.us/j/96087362381 . 

To attend via Zoom, please register at: https://forms.office.com/e/DqEVWr7E4r

This talk is part of the University of Galway History Seminar series.