Scottish Gaelic Language Shift Reversal

Revitalization and Language Policy

Abstract

This project investigates how promotive policies in Scotland help to revitalize Scottish Gaelic. Previous research describes promotive policies and the effects of speakers’ attitudes towards minority languages, this project connects the two in seeing how individual organizations enact promotive policies creatively. Previous research also offers a theoretical analysis lens with Language Shift Theory and specifically utilizes the reversal aspect of the theory. Document analysis was the main form of data collection for this process with ten language policies from ten different organizations across five societal sectors. Thematic coding revealed patterns of language shift reversal, promotional tactics, and cultural care. The promotive policies in place stimulate parts of society to engage with Gaelic and revitalize the language. With language revival, the creative liberties towards the same goal for organizations reveal the desire of the collective. Research into how language policies reflect society’s value of the communication facilitates a comprehensive plan of action into language and culture revitalization.