Foras na Gaeilge and Bwrdd yr Iaith Gymraeg: yoked but not yet shackled

摘要

This essay compares the manner in which the principal language agencies in Ireland and Wales face the challenge of promoting their respective national indigenous languages. The comparison brings into sharp relief the differing political contexts and operational constraints which influence both the scope and effectiveness of both organisations. It is argued that whereas the chief barrier to the greater success of Foras na Gaelige is its requirement to navigate between various levels of bureaucracy at both the Irish and UK/Northern Ireland levels of government, the chief obstacle to the full realisation of the work of the Welsh Language Board is its ambiguous position and uncertain future within the Welsh administrative system. Quite radical proposals are offered by which some of these difficulties could be overcome, should the political commitment of the respective governments be strengthened in favour of implementing a more robust bilingual policy for both Irish and Welsh.