New Bòrd na Gàidhlig-backed probe aims to reveal 'wellbeing' role of Gaelic in Scottish society
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THE role Gaelic can play in enhancing the wellbeing of people and communities is the subject of a new study.
With wellbeing increasingly recognised as a crucial indicator in a range of fields across the economy and society, it's hoped the study will help build a case for the importance of nurturing Gaelic language and culture.
It comes on the back of the recent Scottish Social Attitudes Survey which revealed that 70 per cent of those learning Gaelic believed it contributed to their wellbeing.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig – the principal body in Scotland responsible for promoting Gaelic development – has awarded a commission to DC Research to carry out the study.
It says online meetings in Gaelic during the Covid-19 pandemic demonstrated that wellbeing, inclusion and networking were important and could be enhanced, and also demonstrated the role of Gaelic in increasing wellbeing generally.
As the numbers of people learning the language grows, this aspect of engaging with Gaelic could be increasingly important.
The research will evaluate and describe how Gaelic contributes more widely to society as more than just a language but as a culture and provides an understanding of how facets of wellbeing can be used to assist and encourage Gaelic users, as speakers and learners and as a language community.
It will also set out, in a political context, how Gaelic contributes to the National Performance Framework (NPF), as well as seeking to evaluate and describe the contribution of the language so that this is recognised while also considering research in other minority languages.
Shona MacLennan, ceannard, Bòrd na Gàidhlig said: “We recognise that wellbeing is increasingly
important, both for individuals and for society.
"The evidence from this research will help us to make stronger arguments for ensuring that Gaelic, and its contribution to wellbeing, is recognised and supported in national and regional policies so as to provide greater support for Gaelic communities.”
Dr Stephen Connolly, director at DC Research and project manager for the research, who will be working alongside Professor Mike Danson, Dr Douglas Chalmers and Eilidh Danson on the study, said: “We are looking forward to exploring these issues around Gaelic and wellbeing in consultations with a range of experts, speakers and influencers from Scotland and internationally over the summer months".
Did you know?
Bòrd na Gàidhlig is an executive non-departmental public body established under the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005.
It is the principal body in Scotland responsible for promoting Gaelic development and providing advice to the Scottish Ministers on Gaelic matters, including education.
The Bòrd’s vision is that Gaelic is seen and heard on a daily basis across Scotland, such that it is widely recognised as an integral part of Scottish life and as a national cultural and economic asset. Much of the Bòrd’s work focuses on developing and overseeing the National Gaelic Language Plan, together with assisting the development and monitoring of Gaelic language plans by public authorities.
Bòrd na Gàidhlig works to promote Gaelic in partnership with the Scottish Government, local authorities, public bodies, delivery partners and communities.
It has statutory educational responsibilities to promote Gaelic education under the 2005 Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act and the 2016 Education (Scotland) Act.
