Micro-level Language Planning in Ireland

This paper focuses upon the emergence of micro-level practices in language planning in both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland. These practices are set against the historical context for language planning in the Republic of Ireland, characterised by a macro-level approach. It is argued that the limitations of this approach are reflected in the eventual circularity of state policy and the ongoing contraction of the Gaeltacht - the territory defined as officially Irish-speaking by the Irish Government. The emergence of some micro-level language planning practices beginning in parts of the Republic of Ireland during the second half of the 1960s and continuing through to contemporary Northern Ireland is analysed. The author draws from models of microlevel language planning in Wales to indicate the potential inherent in such practices for the transformation of the dynamics of the Irish language in both the Republic of Ireland and in Northern Ireland. The paper proposes that an appropriate model could make a substantial contribution towards attaining cross-community engagement with regard to the Irish language in Northern Ireland, helping secure the intergenerational transmission of the language in the Gaeltacht in the Republic of Ireland and, in addition, provide more effective direction to language planning activity outside of the Gaeltacht.