Global computer links 'are putting Gaelic culture at risk' (fwd)

[phil cash cash]

Global computer links 'are putting Gaelic culture at risk'

Tuesday, 30th October 2007
JOHN ROSS (jross at scotsman.com)
http://news.scotsman.com/scitech.cfm?id=1727512007

THE advance of computer technology linking the most remote communities in
Scotland to the rest of the world could be eroding Gaelic culture, it was
claimed yesterday.

The likes of broadband is helping remove what has been called the "tyranny
of geography" and allowed some jobs previously done in cities to be
relocated to rural parts - including a Westminster Council call centre now
operating from Dingwall.

However, Scottish ministers have been warned that expanding the global
village could be harming communities due to its effect on cultural
identity.

Matthew MacIver, the chairman of Bord na Gaidhlig, the Gaelic development
agency, told the Highlands and Islands Convention meeting in Fort William
there was a risk of young people being seduced by the "blandness of the
global culture", and that the growing use of universal language could have
a negative effect on peoples' use of Gaelic.

He said: "I accept that broadband and the whole advance in technology is
important. But I'm worried that we could create an environment where we
isolate individuals, and that is a threat to community life. In the Gaelic
world, it is seriously important that we bring communities together to talk
their own language and take a pride in it.

"There is a danger of creating another environment where we have a
globalised culture. It's very important that, as the world grows smaller
and we create a global village, we do not lose sight of the fact we have
indigenous cultures, languages and histories that are important to us."

But Alex Salmond, the First Minister, insisted technology offered
opportunities for local cultures. "People have different views on
universality of culture, but I take the view that this provides the
opportunity for local cultures to project themselves on an international
stage, as it provides the opportunity for companies to conduct their
business on a worldwide stage."

He said there was 99 per cent broadband connectivity in Scotland, and a new
scheme aimed to give access to the other 1 per cent, largely in the
Highlands and Islands. "

Access to broadband is one of the key things that is promoting the rural and
remoter areas as the outstanding location of Scotland," Mr Salmond said.

Earlier, Willy Roe, chairman of Highlands and Islands Enterprise, said the
government needed to help ensure technology reached remote areas at the
same time, or even quicker, than urban centres.

He said: "The traditional practice has been that these things start in the
cities and ultimately, slowly, over years, reach rural and island areas.

If we are serious about giving the edge to the Highlands and Islands, then
why doesn't it start here?"