Peacebuilding through Dialogue in Northern Ireland

Abstract

This chapter describes a peacebuilding project that emerges from the context of intercultural and international communication using dialogic theory and practice in Derry, Northern Ireland. To begin with, even the name of the city is in dispute in this conflict situation. The Northern Irish city has been known by two names, Derry and Londonderry. There are historical resonances for both names. Unionists — who want to maintain a union with the United Kingdom — have a strong preference for Londonderry, which it was renamed in recognition of its connections with City of London livery companies during the Plantation of Ulster in the 1600s. Nationalists — who want Northern Ireland to become a part of the Republic of Ireland — want to retain their original name of Derry (Doire). The city’s Visitor’s Bureau calls it ‘Legenderry’. The Guardian Style Guide states: ‘Derry, Co Derry. Not Londonderry’. Speaking with a local in Derry, he says ‘You ask why any “self-respecting” Irish person would only call it Derry when we’re not talking about a city in Ireland?’ Derry IS a city in Ireland, on the island of Ireland, with a history going back to the 6th century. For the purposes of this chapter, the name Derry will be used.