Language, Politics and Identity in Ireland: a Historical Overview

Abstract

The Belfast Agreement (1998) brought about new constitutional arrangements between the Republic of Ireland and the United Kingdom, and a new structure of governance within Northern Ireland. Designed, amongst other aims, to end the violent conflict in Northern Ireland that had lasted almost 30 years, the agreement was arguably the most important political development within Ireland since the declaration of the Irish Republic in 1948. It is revealing therefore, that the text of the concord included the following general declaration:

All participants recognise the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic minorities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland. (Belfast Agreement 1998: 19)

In the context of a document that outlined the contours of a major historical settlement, this is a striking statement about the significance of language(s) in Ireland which indicates the continuing social and political status of ‘the language question(s)’ in Irish history. It will be the purpose of this chapter therefore, to present a short account of how and why language came to gain such importance in Ireland. Central topics in the analysis will be the role played by language in the imposition of colonial rule; in the incorporation of Ireland within the United Kingdom; in the movement to gain autonomy from British rule; and in the shaping of identity in both independent Ireland and Northern Ireland.