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Kenneth
MacKinnon

4 publications between 1996 and 2014 indexed

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Contributions to journals

A language on the move: geographical mobility of Gaelic speakers in contemporary Scotland

MacKinnon, Kenneth, “A language on the move: geographical mobility of Gaelic speakers in contemporary Scotland”, Journal of Celtic Linguistics 15 (2014): 53–68.  

abstract:

In 1991 the population census presented data on annual migration of Gaelic speakers for the first time, and again in greater detail in 2001. Flows of Gaelic- and non-Gaelic-speaking populations can thus be assessed and analysed. These movements between relevant areas for Gaelic diasporise Gaelic speakers from 'heartland' areas into lowland and urban Scotland. In 1991 40% lived in such areas, increasing to 44% in 2001. This process is gaining momentum, with mobility of Gaelic speakers matching the majority population at over 11% annually. By 2011 almost half of all Gaelic speakers were living outwith the traditional Highlands and Hebrides area. Non-Gaelic speakers increasingly move to the 'Gaelic' areas and weaken the incidence of Gaelic locally. The increasing rate of marriage and family-formation between Gaelic and non-Gaelic partners weakens Gaelic in intergenerational transmission. In 1991 only one Gaelic speaker in three lived in an all-Gaelic-speaking household. Within ten years this proportion had weakened to one in five. A model of the causes of Gaelic-to-English language-shift can be developed. Increasing geographical mobility and diminished life-chances cause Gaelic speakers to leave their home areas. Non-Gaelic-speakers are drawn in. The majority of Gaelic speakers come to live as a minority amongst non-Gaelic speaking populations elsewhere. Young Gaelic speakers increasingly meet and form families with non-Gaelic-speaking partners. Without powerful Gaelic institutions outwith the family, English predominates in family life, and Gaelic ceases to be transmitted. This can successfully be countered by the development of Gaelic-medium education, Gaelic-language media, and Gaelic social institutions. The results of such language-planning by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG Alba, and the education system can be illustrated demographically from census data, and some measure of success can be demonstrated.

abstract:

In 1991 the population census presented data on annual migration of Gaelic speakers for the first time, and again in greater detail in 2001. Flows of Gaelic- and non-Gaelic-speaking populations can thus be assessed and analysed. These movements between relevant areas for Gaelic diasporise Gaelic speakers from 'heartland' areas into lowland and urban Scotland. In 1991 40% lived in such areas, increasing to 44% in 2001. This process is gaining momentum, with mobility of Gaelic speakers matching the majority population at over 11% annually. By 2011 almost half of all Gaelic speakers were living outwith the traditional Highlands and Hebrides area. Non-Gaelic speakers increasingly move to the 'Gaelic' areas and weaken the incidence of Gaelic locally. The increasing rate of marriage and family-formation between Gaelic and non-Gaelic partners weakens Gaelic in intergenerational transmission. In 1991 only one Gaelic speaker in three lived in an all-Gaelic-speaking household. Within ten years this proportion had weakened to one in five. A model of the causes of Gaelic-to-English language-shift can be developed. Increasing geographical mobility and diminished life-chances cause Gaelic speakers to leave their home areas. Non-Gaelic-speakers are drawn in. The majority of Gaelic speakers come to live as a minority amongst non-Gaelic speaking populations elsewhere. Young Gaelic speakers increasingly meet and form families with non-Gaelic-speaking partners. Without powerful Gaelic institutions outwith the family, English predominates in family life, and Gaelic ceases to be transmitted. This can successfully be countered by the development of Gaelic-medium education, Gaelic-language media, and Gaelic social institutions. The results of such language-planning by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, MG Alba, and the education system can be illustrated demographically from census data, and some measure of success can be demonstrated.

Reversing language shift: Celtic languages today – any evidence?

MacKinnon, Kenneth, “Reversing language shift: Celtic languages today – any evidence?”, Journal of Celtic Linguistics 8 (2004): 109–132.  

abstract:

Recently released census data on Irish in Northern Ireland, Manx, Welsh and Gaelic indicate very different progress in reversing language shift. Irish is fairly steadily maintained, Manx has shown vigorous revival, Gaelic is in scarcely retarded free-fall, and Welsh shows strong evidence of genuine recovery.

Original conceptual tools of intergenerational ratio and intergenerational gain/loss have been developed which enable RLS to be assessed. Welsh is highly positive both nationally and in every local education authority area. Gaelic has, however, some local strengths. Manx RLS can be linked to Manxmedium schooling, and the effects of Irish-medium schooling in Northern Ireland can also be seen.

These results indicate different language-function in these societies, its symbolization and re-symbolization. A dynamic picture of different social processes, and their outcomes, can inform language policy. A review of policies is required, especially for Gaelic.

abstract:

Recently released census data on Irish in Northern Ireland, Manx, Welsh and Gaelic indicate very different progress in reversing language shift. Irish is fairly steadily maintained, Manx has shown vigorous revival, Gaelic is in scarcely retarded free-fall, and Welsh shows strong evidence of genuine recovery.

Original conceptual tools of intergenerational ratio and intergenerational gain/loss have been developed which enable RLS to be assessed. Welsh is highly positive both nationally and in every local education authority area. Gaelic has, however, some local strengths. Manx RLS can be linked to Manxmedium schooling, and the effects of Irish-medium schooling in Northern Ireland can also be seen.

These results indicate different language-function in these societies, its symbolization and re-symbolization. A dynamic picture of different social processes, and their outcomes, can inform language policy. A review of policies is required, especially for Gaelic.

Contributions to edited collections or authored works

Celtic language-groups: identity and demography in cross-cultural comparison

MacKinnon, Kenneth, “Celtic language-groups: identity and demography in cross-cultural comparison”, in: Ronald Black, William Gillies, and Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh (eds), Celtic connections: proceedings of the Tenth International Congress of Celtic Studies, vol. 1: Language, literature, history, culture, East Linton: Tuckwell Press, 1999. 324–346.

Cape Breton – Western Isles: transatlantic resonance of language and culture

MacKinnon, Kenneth, “Cape Breton – Western Isles: transatlantic resonance of language and culture”, in: P. Sture Ureland, and Iain Clarkson (eds), Language contact across the North Atlantic: proceedings of the working groups held at University College, Galway (Ireland), August 29 - September 3, 1992 and the University of Göteborg (Sweden), August 16-21, 1993, 359, Tübingen: Max Niemeyer, 1996. 363–386.