Fostering language links in Aberdeen

LEADING voices in Gaelic and Gaeilge from Ireland and Scotland came together in Aberdeen recently to examine some of the key challenges and opportunities facing Gaelic and Irish-speaking communities today.

The landmark symposium, Ceangal/Connect, jointly hosted by the Consulate General of Ireland, the Research Institute for Irish and Scottish Studies (University of Aberdeen), and Údarás na Gaeltachta, gathered policymakers, academics, cultural leaders, and civil society organisations to consider lessons that can be learned in language revival.

The event—held at the University of Aberdeen from June 9-10—explored Scotland and Ireland’s experiences with Gaelic and Irish and look at how shared strategies and solidarity can strengthen the languages.

The cultural and economic importance of the languages was in the spotlight with representatives from state and economic agencies in Scotland and Ireland and speakers from businesses and social enterprises in Scotland taking to the podium.

Jerry O’Donovan, the Consul General of Ireland in Scotland, attended the event to support cross-country collaboration.

“Gaelic and Irish speaking communities across the island of Ireland and Scotland share many similar geographical, economic, social and cultural challenges,” he said. “Identifying common opportunities and examples of best practice can provide common solutions to the benefit of all and we were delighted to see such a broad range of stakeholders gathering in one location from both sides of the Irish Sea. The University of Aberdeen, which has a long tradition of both supporting the Gaelic language and bringing together a diverse range of perspectives, was an ideal host for this important event.”

The symposium explored a number of key themes including the synergies around social and economic development and rural language communities; how national language strategies impact community use; how culture and broadcasting initiatives support language revitalisation and the importance of dispersed and city-based speaker communities.

“Gaelic connects generations in both Scotland and Ireland in a way that continues to teach us the value of community, identity, and mutual understanding,” Professor Michael Brown, Director of the Research Institute of Irish and Scottish Studies, said.

“This symposium provided a platform to share knowledge and understanding, helping us to protect and promote Gaelic and Irish across our countries.

“It reflected a growing cooperation between Irish and Scottish institutions to strengthen and sustain Gaelic and Irish.”

Professor Michelle MacLeod, Chair in Gaelic and Head of School of Language, Literature, Music and Visual Culture, added: “We know that language is much more than the spoken word, it is about shared heritage, a sense of belonging, community and a driver for future opportunity. Learning from each other makes a valuable contribution to the resilience and revival of our languages and we were delighted to be able to bring together so many leading voices from both Ireland and Scotland.”

The symposium was then followed by a reception hosted by the Lord Provost of Aberdeen to provide a further opportunity for networking and discussion.