Wars of Words

This book provides a thorough examination of the politics of language in Ireland, revealing its crucial role in shaping the nation's history and identity.

In Wars of Words, the intricate relationship between language and politics in Ireland is explored through a comprehensive survey that spans both colonial and post-colonial periods. The narrative begins with the Tudor proscription of the Irish language and continues through to contemporary legislation that shapes the rights of language users today. This examination highlights the significance of language in understanding Ireland's complex social and political history, arguing that it is central to grasping the nation's identity and struggles.

Tony Crowley challenges conventional perspectives by offering a nuanced and often surprising account of the historical events that have influenced language politics in Ireland. From Henry VIII's Act for English Order, Habit, and Language in 1537 to the Republic of Ireland's Official Languages Act in 2003, the book delves into the continuities and disruptions that have characterized Irish history over the last five centuries. Crowley addresses major themes such as ethnicity, cultural identity, and sovereignty, revealing how these issues have both united and divided the nation.

The final chapter of Wars of Words examines the contemporary cultural landscape, focusing on how poets utilize various dialects and languages, including Gaelic and Ulster-Scots, to express diverse voices in a changing society. The conclusion posits that the acknowledgment of linguistic diversity, as recognized in the Belfast Agreement, will play a pivotal role in the social development of both the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.