This book comprises the first complete treatment of the Irish language in social context throughout the whole of Ireland, with a particular focus on contemporary society. The possibilities and limitations of the craft of language planning for the revival of the Irish language are outlined and the book also situates the language issue in the context of current debates on the geography, history and politics of the nature of Irish identity. A comprehensive multidisciplinary approach is adopted throughout.

About the Author

Diarmait Mac Giolla Chriost is lecturer at the School of Welsh at the University of Wales, Cardiff

Reviews

'In about 250 pages, Diarmait Mac Giolla ChrA ost contributes enough material to keep not so much scholars as workers in the area of linguistic promotion inspired for years.' - The Linguist List

'Indispensible reading for anyone concerned about language identity and language shift.' - Forum for Modern Language Studies

'In about 250 pages, Diarmait Mac Giolla Chriost contributes enough material to keep not so much scholars as workers in the area of linguistic promotion inspired for years ... this study condenses immense efforts to direct discourse about the state and fate of Irish into a previously neglected intersection between academic and community-based efforts. The author applies research too often languishing upon government and academic shelves into a theory-laden but careful examination for a public forum.' - John L. Murphy, The Linguist List

'Overall, The Irish Language in Ireland should be a standard reference work for some time to come. It succeeds in making the history and contemporary reality of Irish (and the theory and statistics relating to the language) accessible to all. There will be very many students, academics, amateurs and professionals who will be grateful for this book. It contributes a great deal to the study of Irish in Ireland in both the past and the present and, as such, it is highly recommended to anyone interested in the language, no matter their level of engagement.' - Criostoir Rowland, Irish Journal of Anthropology

'Indispensible reading for anyone concerned about language identity and language shift.' - Forum for Modern Language Studies

'This introductory overview of the debate on the complex interface between language and society will be of interest and use to the novice student of sociolinguistics and provides an up-to-date well referenced review of literature for the more seasoned researcher.'--Sociolinguistic Studies

Book Information
ISBN 9780415852326
Author Diarmait Mac Giolla Chriost
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Routledge
Publisher Taylor & Francis Ltd
Weight(grams) 530g