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A Delicate Balancing Act: Making Decisions for Scottish Gaelic Cover

Abstract

Research on language policy and planning (LPP) decision making for Gaelic in Scotland attempted to map out the major preoccupations and identify blindspots held by those overseeing policy construction and implementation. Interviews with elite players in LPP development elicited key qualitative data which was benchmarked against core issues identified in a survey of participants in a putative Scottish Gaelic socioeconomy and social economy. The research uncovered discrepancies between official aspiration and socioeconomic reality, between benefits for individuals and help for communities, or between specific job sectors and the wider economy. More concerning, it becomes apparent that elite players are unclear on language revitalisation goals. While they understand that more needs to be done for the home and community, they lack strategic direction as to how to achieve this.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/tdjes-2025-0015 | Journal eISSN: 1854-5181 | Journal ISSN: 0354-0286
Language: English
Page range: 139 - 166
Submitted on: Jul 24, 2025
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Accepted on: Nov 10, 2025
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Published on: Dec 21, 2025
In partnership with: Paradigm Publishing Services
Publication frequency: 2 issues per year

© 2025 Gordon Cameron, Iain Caimbeul, Conchúr Ó Giollagáin, published by Institute for Ethnic Studies
This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.