Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'(fwd)

[phil cash cash]

oops...

phil
UofA, ILAT

On Thursday, October 2, 2003, at 06:32  AM, Phil CashCash wrote:

> Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'
> Gaelic survey 'hugely significant' (fwd)
> Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'
> Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'
> Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'
>
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> Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'
>
> Story from BBC NEWS:
> http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/pr/fr/-/2/hi/uk_news/scotland/3156980.stm
>
> Published: 2003/10/02 08:27:51 GMT
>
> More than two thirds of people in Scotland consider Gaelic to be an
> important part of Scottish life, according to a survey.
>
> Almost 90% of those questioned were in favour of allowing children to
> learn the language in school.
>
> However, a similar number admitted that they did not know how to read
> or
> speak Gaelic.
>
> The survey was jointly funded by the BBC and B=C3=B2rd Gaidhlig na
> h-Alba,
> the Gaelic development agency, to identify the need for a multi-media
> language learning resource.
>
> MRUK questioned 1,020 people in August, 87% of whom admitted that they
> had no knowledge of the language.
>
> More opportunities
>
> However, 66% agreed that Gaelic is an important part of Scottish life
> which needs to be promoted.
>
> A majority of those questioned said there should be more opportunities
> to learn Gaelic and that more Scots should try to learn the language.
>
> There was also support for the extension of bi-lingual education, while
> 87% were in favour of school children being allowed to learn Gaelic.
>
> This research... demonstrates the unique standing of Gaelic in the
> cultural identity of Scotland
>
> B=C3=B2rd Gaidhlig na h-Alba chairman Duncan Ferguson said the
> findings were
> "extremely encouraging".
>
> The organisation is preparing the first national plan for Gaelic
> development in Scotland.
>
> Mr Ferguson said: "The fact that almost 90% of the Scottish population
> believe Gaelic medium education should be available where there is
> demand is hugely significant, particularly at a time when the Scottish
> Executive is preparing to bring forward a Gaelic language bill for
> consultation.
>
> "There has been anecdotal evidence in the past suggesting that there
> was
> a substantial level of support for Gaelic across Scotland.
>
> "This research now confirms this, and it also demonstrates the unique
> standing of Gaelic in the cultural identity of Scotland.
>
> 'Exciting project'
>
> "This is good news for Gaelic and for Scotland as a whole, in that it
> demonstrates the recognition and value attached to Scottish cultural
> heritage."
>
> The agency's chief executive Alan Campbell said it was the first time
> scientific evidence had backed up its belief about Gaelic's popularity.
>
> David Crystal, professor of linguistics at the University of Wales,
> said
> he was "absolutely thrilled" at the results.
>
> But he warned that the language would have to be helped more than just
> by "ticking a box in a survey".
>
> Margaret-Mary Murray, BBC Scotland's Gaelic executive editor, said the
> study was the first major Scotland-wide research on attitudes to the
> language in recent years.
>
> "BBC Scotland will be using its findings to inform the development of
> an
> exciting new project aimed at creating a new language learning resource
> for Gaelic.
>
> "It will encompass programming for television, radio, online services
> and printed materials that will appeal to a broad audience," she said.
>