Minority Language Public Sphere: The Irish Language in the Media and Beyond

In this paper, we delve into the dynamics of the Irish-language public sphere, with a primary emphasis on the media landscape. In our analysis, we contend that the prevailing public sphere in Ireland predominantly functions in the English language, thereby subordinating the Irish-language public sphere. By scrutinising the challenges inherent in conceptualising an Irish-language public sphere vis-à-vis Irish speakers, we underscore the absence of a cohesive public of Irish speakers. Consequently, the Irish-language public sphere finds itself grappling with inherent fragility. The waning usage and proficiency in the Irish language exhibit a symbiotic relationship with the frailty of the Irish-language public sphere, consequently limiting the input of the Irish-language public sphere into the political sphere. In the predicted increase in employment opportunities for Irish speakers, there exists the potential for improvement in Irish-language fluency and usage, fostering a more consolidated Irish-language public sphere that could manifest more prominently. Our examination is grounded in the history of Irish broadcasting and theories of nations and nationalism. Central to our inquiry are the contrary forces of ratings (commercial motive) and revival (nationalist motive). Given the limited and dispersed number of the Irish speakers, we underscore the pivotal role of media in sustaining an Irish-language public sphere. As we navigate these dimensions, our study unravels the interplay between language, media, and societal frameworks that shape the contours of the Irish-language public sphere.