Post-conflict language advocacy: a comparative analysis of Northern Ireland with the Basque region and Montenegro

Abstract

This thesis examines the relationship between organised language advocacy and peace in three post-conflict societies where language issues are a salient feature of ethnopolitical divide; Northern Ireland, the Basque region and Montenegro. These regions have strong historical traditions of organised language advocacy (OLA), defined in this research as advocacy conducted by organisations with specific objectives in language development. I investigate advocacy supporting the Irish language and Ulster-Scots in Northern Ireland as the primary case study region whilst placing the experiences of the Basque language in the Basque region, and Montenegrin in Montenegro, in a strongly comparative context. These post-conflict or ‘deeply-divided’ societies are at an increased risk of returning to conflict, and disputes over language formed via conflict- influenced significantly by OLA action- have continually destabilised these regions during peace times. As representatives of ethnolinguistic communities and mediators between these communities and the state, this thesis then outlines the roles and impact of OLA on peaceful relations in these societies. This research posits two main novel contributions. Firstly, that OLA networks require increased recognition as powerful influencers of post-conflict relations. I contend that OLA provides multiple opportunities for reconciliation, but that strategies to mobilise advocacy within reconciliation frameworks must be structured, resourced and managed correctly. Lastly, I assert that the salient negative impact of contested narratives of the past surrounding language are not adequately addressed within current state approaches to peace, and that OLA networks are critical actors in understanding and transforming these narratives to resolve linguistic dimensions of conflict.

Date of Award	Dec 2023
Original language	English
Sponsors	Duke of Edinburgh Award
Supervisor	Philip McDermott (Supervisor), Niall Comer (Supervisor), Philip McDermott (Supervisor) & Niall Comer (Supervisor)