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el Rebesnét del Tio Canya
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Scottish language situationI am from a country where our language is the most important characteristic to define our nation.
I has been reading about the languages in Scotland and Im a litlle confused. Which is the national language of Scotland? Scottish gaelic? Scots? English? Both are equally scottish?
And, which is the situation of this languages in the society? Are spoken so much? What are doing the politicians to change the situation?
Every information I will thankful.
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Babygael
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In such a divided nation, on the one hand Gaelic is mostly associated with the "Highlanders"the people of the North whom the English and many of the Lowlander Scots together did their best to wipe out by one means or another.But at one time Gaelic was the official language.And as you say | Quote: | | language is the most important charecteristic to define our nation |
This is precisely why Gaelic was demonised by the above mentioned.Today it is a poor struggling wee beastie!! LOL.But it is a very powerful symbol of independence.
English is the officially accepted language but it is not remotely Scottish,Scots is recognised as more of a dialect but is the most prevelant, and varies according to what area you are from.Although you will find Scots men and women who's accent is most distinctly that of their masters,the english!
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el Rebesnét del Tio Canya
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Thanks. 
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SLG
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Re: Scottish language situation | el Rebesnét del Tio Canya wrote: | | I am from a country where our language is the most important characteristic to define our nation. |
Gaelic and Scots are very important to Scotland, but I don't think they are quite as important to the national identity compared with some other nations.
| el Rebesnét del Tio Canya wrote: | | I has been reading about the languages in Scotland and Im a litlle confused. Which is the national language of Scotland? Scottish gaelic? Scots? English? Both are equally scottish? |
Both are equally Scottish in my opinion. Gaelic is the only original language of the Scots (people), but Scots (the language) has had a long history in the country and is unique to Scotland. Scots also has much more relevance to the majority of the population as it continued to be spoken by large numbers after the use of Gaelic declined.
| el Rebesnét del Tio Canya wrote: | | And, which is the situation of this languages in the society? Are spoken so much? What are doing the politicians to change the situation? |
There has been a significant increase in political will to help Gaelic in the last few years and I think the decline in speakers is now taking place. Political backing for Scots has been much slower in materialising. I think there is a general increasing acceptance of the importance of both languages to the culture of Scotland.
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