Description
Book SynopsisTaking the well-known Irish language revival policy as a case study, this book examines the complex relationship between processes of economic and social development on the one hand, and processes of language and cultural change on the other. Does modernization inevitably mean the end of traditional languages and cultural practices, or can they re-emerge in new forms?
Trade Reviewhe devotes most of his book to a re-assembly of statistical data from a series of language surveys, census returns and administrative files ... Prof. Ó Riagáin usefully brings diverse sets of data into this single volume. * Patrick Cummins, Journal of Linguistics Institute of Ireland, 36/36 *
this book is critical reading for anyone interested in either the Irish language or minority language policy in general. He brings together the key findings of previous studies along with an in-depth analysis of more recent research...a handy reference book. * irish Journal of Sociology *
Having meticulously laid the foundations for his study, he sets about considering the nature of theoretical perspectives in sociolinguistic research in general, and in Irish in particular ... excellent research is characterised by its clarity of argument, its objectivity and attention to detail. This book is to be recommended by all who are interested in language, and particularly those who are involved in minority language planning. * The Month *
This is an interesting, challenging contribution to studies of language policy and language planning in general, as well as to our understanding of Irish-English biligualism in Ireland ... The book ... contributes to the development of hypotheses about the fate of linguistic minorities in the modern world. * Monica Heller, American Journal of Sociology, May 1999, 104:6 *
