Island Gaelic Conversations
Is there more to Gaelic development than a talking point for academic debate or social media clickbait? How can island voices be heard in discussions and decisions about the language they speak? The “Gaelic Crisis” book has stimulated a re-appraisal of the current situation, and makes suggestions for a new way forward.
A series of “GAELIC CONVERSATIONS – CÒMHRAIDHEAN GÀIDHLIG” is proposed around the islands.
“Alasdair Allan MSP is working with the authors of the study from the Soillse research team based at the University of the Highlands and Islands (UHI) and a cross-party group of MSPs and researchers including Kate Forbes MSP, Michael Russell MSP, Donald Cameron MSP, Rhoda Grant MSP, John Finnie MSP and Dr Michael Foxley.
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As well as discussions about Gaelic usage in the home and community, the meetings will also gauge opinion on whether such ideas in the report such as a Gaelic community cooperative – Urras na Gàidhlig – could be an appropriate structure to coordinate and drive forward local development actions under the direct control of the Gaelic-speaking community.”
You can register to attend here. Written submissions are also welcomed.
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I read the pdf summary of the research for the Gaelic Crisis book and thought it was fascinating. I especially like the reference to “Current policies and discourses regarding Gaelic promote an emphasis on individuals rather than communities, in line with the prevailing neo-liberal zeitgeist.”
It reads quite sadly in a way and I hope the initiatives proposed might be adopted quickly enough and be in time to save the Gaelic speaking community as a community of speakers.
I can’t help wondering if, to involve the younger generations (from toddlers to twenties) successfully a very much ‘cultural’ (and perhaps political) approach including music, literature, history, food and fun may be required!