Success and Failure in Language Revival: A Tale of Two Celtic Languages

Revival is possible, but it requires strategic, sustained, and widespread support.

Scotland and Wales share a common Celtic heritage, but their language revival efforts tell two very different stories. While Welsh is celebrated as a language revival success, Scottish Gaelic continues to struggle. Why is that?

The Welsh Revival – A Blueprint for Success

Over recent decades, Welsh has seen significant progress in its revival, fueled by strategic policy decisions. Initiatives like the Welsh Language Act of 1993 and the launch of S4C, a dedicated Welsh-language television channel, have played key roles in boosting its visibility. Education remains central to the revival, with Welsh-medium schools expanding across the country. The government continues to set ambitious targets, aiming for one million Welsh speakers by 2050.

The Challenges of Scottish Gaelic Revival

In contrast, Scottish Gaelic faces an uphill battle. Despite the introduction of Gaelic medium education and BBC Alba, Gaelic’s use remains confined to specific regions and age groups. The Scottish Government's Gaelic Language Plans have made strides, but the language lacks the comprehensive, mainstream visibility that Welsh enjoys. Emigration from Gaelic-speaking areas and a perception of Gaelic as less relevant in modern Scotland further hamper revival efforts.

Why Has Welsh Succeeded Where Gaelic Struggles?

One key factor is visibility. Welsh is widely seen and heard in everyday contexts – on road signs, public services, and media – reinforcing its relevance. Gaelic, however, remains largely relegated to cultural and educational spheres. Additionally, the political will behind Welsh revival has been more sustained and systematic, making the language accessible to all citizens regardless of region.

Another factor which contributed to the decades long Gaelic Revival struggle, can be found in audit findings of Gaelic agencies, which have further eroded public trust over the years. Financial mismanagement, accusations of bullying, friend-politics, exclusive culture towards non-native speakers, as well as ineffective planning and spending, have fueled skepticism about the effectiveness of revival strategies and agencies. This has not only undermined confidence but also pushed some potential learners and volunteers away from engaging with the language, associating it with wasted resources, poor governance and having a severe impact on their mental health.

Lessons for Gaelic Revival

For Scottish Gaelic to mirror Welsh’s success, comprehensive policy integration is essential. Making Gaelic visible in everyday life, integrating it into mainstream media, and investing in adult language learning can bridge the gap. Furthermore, promoting the cultural and economic benefits of multilingualism could shift perceptions of Gaelic from a nostalgic relic to a thriving, modern asset. Who is capable of leading us to success?

Both stories offer powerful lessons for other endangered languages worldwide – that revival is possible, but it requires strategic, sustained, and widespread support.