In recent decades, we have witnessed increased attention being paid to endangered languages across the whole world. This book, based on Máiréad Moriarty's postdoctoral research project and her working experience, addresses the intricate relationship between Irish as a minority language and globalization, paving a way for more language policy and planning (LPP) research in the sociolinguistic field.
The volume comprises eight chapters. After setting the scene, the author explores language maintenance and revitalization in the context of globalization. Specifically, chapter 1 presents Moriarty's general observations on LPP and an outline of the book, drawing the readers' attention to the Irish-language situation in global times. Chapter 2 highlights the coexistence of globalization and glocalization, and also the demand of reconceptualizing traditional approaches to LPP. In chapter 3, the author provides an overview of the Irish language policy and planning in the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland, giving an in-depth account of the Irish language development from 1920 through to present times. Actually, the first three chapters cover the key theoretical and conceptual frameworks for investigating minority languages while the following four chapters examine the potential for LPP in four individual domains based on what is discussed above. Chapter 4 deals with the domain of media by illustrating how the Irish language television channel TG4 enacts and mobilizes LPP on the grounds that the media have the advantage of facilitating people's ideological development and practical application in minority language acquisition.
Chapters 5 and 6 introduce performance genres of comedy and hip hop in popular cultures. Chapter 5 centers on Des Bishop, as an LPP actor, who stirred the audience's passion for innovative Irish language use and interest in making commentary through his comedy. This chapter ends with the conclusion that popular culture has a positive influence on minority-language speakers. In chapter 6, Moriarty argues that hip hop plays a pivotal role in improving the status of minority languages as regards its ubiquity and mobility as a linguistic and cultural entity; therefore, absorbing the essence of other cultures in the author's view may also be a good choice during the process of homogenization.
Chapter 7 reviews the relationship between minority languages and tourism. It is apparent that the Irish language can be used as a tourism resource that can be developed for symbolic construction of authentic Irish identity; arguably, the commodification of language is helpful for LPP. The final chapter of this book revisits the concept of LPP at great length and provides new directions for future LPP research. It is stated in chapter 8 that viewing language from the social perspective will make people better understand the dynamic nature of LPP and create a theoretical model that fits in with the changing globalization.
Detailed data and elaborate analysis throughout all of the chapters make this a well-written book that will be of great value and much benefit to educators and researchers who are interested in language policy and planning.
