Learning Outcomes:
Students will be able to describe language shift in the Celtic countries, and the historical reasons for it. They will be able to compare the different sociolinguistic contexts of the Celtic languages, and they will be able to make comparisons to other minority language contexts. They will be able to place their discussions in the broader theoretical framework of language interaction, and make informed comment on some of the factors which may affect the Celtic languages in the twenty-first century.
Indicative Module Content:
· The external history of the Celtic languages (Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx, Welsh, Breton, Cornish)
· Language death, language shift and language maintenance
· Language policy in practice:
o The Celtic languages and education
o The Celtic languages in the home and the community
o The Celtic languages and the economy
o The Celtic languages and the media
o New speakers of the Celtic languages
· The future of the Celtic languages