Gaelic survey 'hugely significant'(fwd)

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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.