Irish language policy, 1922-2022: the role of broadcasting in language revitalisation

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.