Regional economic development and minority language use: the case of Gaelic Scotland

Abstract

The paper examines the potential role of minority language use in the process of regional economic development. An examination ofthe economic impacts that may arise from public policy support for minority language maintenance widens the ränge of potential arguments available to advocates ofsuch support andprovides economic development specialists with aframework within which to consider the füll cost and benefits of such support.The case of Gaelic-speaking parts of the Highlands and Islands of Scotland is used to explore the concept ofa "Gaelic economy". A definition is offered and estimations of the size of that economy are then presented. This is followed by an exploration of the dynamics of linkages between minority language development and economic development, focusing on impacts on migration flows, the impact of Gaelic on tourism, the language and small business development, and economic self-confidence in general. In conclusion there is a brief discussion of the factors likely to influence perceptions of the minority language/economy linkage in Western Europe.

Language Planning and Economics

“…Ó Cinnéide & Keane, 1988;Sproull, 1996). Others have attempted to relate the linguistic profile of workers in an economy to the economy's external trade patterns (Stanton & Lee, 1995); the implied theoretical links are, at this time, not elucidated, and no empirical results stand out.…”

Measuring up? Non-profit and commercial language policies in Gaelic-speaking Scotland

“…The so‐called stronghold areas for Gaelic in Scotland, by local authority district, are Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Highlands, and Argyll and Bute councils (as stated in the United Kingdom's ratification of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages in 2001). Perhaps because of the economic hardships these regions have faced and the neo‐liberal approach taken to their economic regeneration (McEwan‐Fujita 2005), the focus of Gaelic in the Scottish economy has been intently fixed upon the arts, culture and tourism (Chalmers 2003; Sproull 1996). However, the provision of Gaelic‐language products does not necessarily mean that the languages used in their creation and distribution have likewise included Gaelic (Dunbar 2003).…”

National identity and economic development: reiteration, recapture, reinterpretation and repudiation*

“…This process can also encompass ‘minority’ languages. For example, in Wales and the Scottish Highlands and Islands, Welsh and Gaelic respectively have suffered from a historic denigration and association with inferiority, and in economic terms have been viewed as at best an irrelevance and at worst a liability (Sproull 1996: 98, 113; C. H. Williams 1997: 128–9). However, within a contemporary context where the need to establish a sense of competitive distinction is considered important, and where more enlightened attitudes to minority issues prevail, the existence of a minority language has come to be viewed as an economic advantage (Pedersen 2000: 158).…”

“…In the Scottish Highlands and Islands, the Gaelic language is perceived to have a similarly positive role to play in the encouragement of cultural tourism in the region (Sproull 1996: 98; Pedersen 2000: 159–65).…”