Finding an ideological niche for new speakers in a minoritised language community

This article examines some of the linguistic and ideological tensions resulting from language shift and subsequent revitalisation, using Breton as a case study. As a result of the opening up of ideological spaces in discourses on what it means to be a Breton speaker in the twenty-first century, the appearance of so-called new' speakers highlights a number of points of contestation. Operating within contexts which are becoming increasingly postvernacular' [Shandler, J.(2004). Postvernacular Yiddish: Language as a performance art. The DramaReview, 48(1), 19-43; Shandler, J.(2006). Adventures in Yiddishland: Postvernacular language and culture. Oakland: University of California Press] in nature, the use of Breton by these speakers can be viewed as more symbolic rather than communicative in many respects. Postvernacular use exists on a continuum of linguistic practice and vernacular use of Breton is still apparent, of course, and often indexed as the only authentic' and legitimate use of Breton. This article examines some alternative linguistic practices within the Breton-speaking community and how new' speakers attempt to find for themselves an ideological niche in this community.