Research Articles

Social change and language revitalization in the Isle of Man: a post-materialist perspective

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Abstract

In an effort to develop a deeper understanding of the impact that social changes such as those described by the literature on post-materialism are having on the process of language revitalization, this article will examine the changing fortunes of Manx Gaelic, the indigenous language of the Isle of Man, a small island located in north-western Europe. During the past four decades, the island has undergone a significant economic transition away from a traditional economy based on fishing, agriculture and tourism to a post-industrial economy centered on banking, financial services and niche manufacturing. This transition has brought unprecedented economic growth and prosperity to the island. At the same time, the island’s indigenous culture and language have experienced a remarkable process of revitalization, following decades of decline and neglect. In particular, [this article] will consider how social change has influenced the process of language revitalization on the island by using the theory of post-materialism to explain the impact that economic growth and stability has had on attitudes toward language and culture.

Keywords: Isle of Man, Manx Gaelic, indigenous languages, language revitalization, social change, economic growth, post-materialism

How to Cite:

Wilson, G., (2011) “Social change and language revitalization in the Isle of Man: a post-materialist perspective”, Language Documentation and Description 9, 58-74. doi: https://doi.org/10.25894/ldd205