MACMILLAN The Irish Language in Northern Ireland: The Politics of Culture and Identity

A topical and authoritative investigation of the Irish language and identity in Northern Ireland. The phrase 'our own language' has come to symbolize the importance of the Irish language to Irish identity for many Nationalists in Northern Ireland. However, different interests compete to have their version of the meaning and importance of the Irish language accepted. This book investigates the role of the Irish language movement in the social construction of competing versions of Irish political and cultural identity in Northern Ireland, arguing that for some Nationalists, the Irish language has become an alternative point of political access and expression. Review 'This is an important study of a virtually unresearched topic - the conflictual politics of Irish language revival in Belfast. Based on skilled and sensitive field-work it deals with an emotive and politicised topic with empathy and detachment. At the same time its focus on the politics of discourse gives it analytical bite and relevance far beyond the particularities of the Northern Ireland case.' - Joseph Ruane, University College, Cork About the Author CAMILLE C. O'REILLY is Lecturer in Social Anthropology at Richmond, the American International University in London. She has published a number of articles on the Irish Language revival in Northern Ireland.