Celtic Knot Conference 2024/Submissions/Unpacking Power Dynamics in Language Policy: Auxiliary Verbs in Ireland's 20-Year Strategy for Irish and Their Significance for Media, Technology, and Education

Submission no.

About the submission

Title of the submission

Unpacking Power Dynamics in Language Policy: Auxiliary Verbs in Ireland's 20-Year Strategy for Irish and Their Significance for Media, Technology, and Education

Type of submission

• Presentation – 20–25 minute presentation. This time includes questions from the audience.

Abstract (up to 300 words to describe your proposal)

While Irish is the first official language of the Republic of Ireland, as per Article 8 of the Constitution, it remains marginalised. As a result, various official revitalisation plans have been proposed. This study focuses on the language used in the 20-Year Strategy for Irish, in order to assess the implications for the implementation of the suggestions. According to the Central Statistics Office (CSO) only around 66% of participants speak Irish in some form, and only 45% speak Irish on a third level. This implies that many of the policy’s objectives may not be achieved. The paper will substantiate this assertion through detailed analysis of specified data.

Using a critical discourse analysis approach, this research examines how auxiliary verbs strategically position authors and assert authority within the policy document, specifically in the sectors of media, technology and education. The study investigates power dynamics inherent in language policy, through the use of active versus passive voice, adverbial modification, and thematic emphasis. The findings reveal intricate relations of force conveyed through the selection and usage of auxiliary verbs. Notably, ""will"" is used 338 times, predominantly to signify future intentions. However, 212 of those instances are used in passive voice. This suggests a specific framing of actions and responsibilities within the policy. By focusing on auxiliary verbs within this policy context, this study offers insights into broader issues of language planning and policy execution. These insights prompt critical reflections on how such linguistic choices within policy documents might impact the effectiveness of achieving the objectives related to promoting the Irish language.

This has the potential to be a valuable tool for non-governmental organisations to identify where de jure policy recommendations are likely to fail, and give them the opportunity to create their own provisions for language revitalisation initiatives.

Source www.cso.ie. “Key Findings Census of Population 2022 Profile 8 - the Irish Language and Education - Central Statistics Office.” Central Statistics Office, December 19, 2023. https://www.cso.ie/en/releasesandpublications/ep/p-cpp8/censusofpopulation2022profile8-theirishlanguageandeducation/keyfindings/

Theme of session

• Visions Forged: Charting Paths in Language Advocacy.

What will attendees take away from this session?

Attendees of this session will gain a detailed understanding of how the language used in the 20-Year Strategy for Irish affects its implementation and broader issues of language planning and policy execution, particularly for minority languages. They will learn how critical discourse analysis can be applied to policy documents, focusing on the strategic use of auxiliary verbs and other linguistic elements to assert authority and influence perceptions. This session will help them critically assess the effectiveness of policy documents in achieving their stated objectives, particularly in promoting the Irish language and giving room for minority languages in the future. Additionally, attendees will learn to identify where official policy recommendations may fail and understand the power dynamics and framing within these documents. For non-governmental organizations, the session will offer practical insights into developing their own provisions for language revitalization initiatives. Overall, the session will provide valuable tools for analysing and understanding language policy documents and their real-world implications, with a special focus on supporting and giving room for minority languages.

Language of presentation

English

If you intend to submit a poster, an you have an example of one you have used in the past please include a link below

About the author

Author of the submission

Hannah Yule Heetmann and Joanna Dieckmann

E-mail address

hannahheetmann.de

Country of origin

Germany

Affiliation, if any (organisation, company etc.)

Slides or further information (optional)

Special requests

Is this Submission a Draft or Final?

Interested attendees

If you are interested in attending this session, please sign with your username below. This will help reviewers to decide which sessions are of high interest. Sign with a hash and four tildes. (# ~~~~).