"The Isle of Man is very much at the centre of what we think of as the modern Celtic Nations. Really those nations are defined by their languages"

Part of an interview with Professor Alice Roberts as reported by Culture Vannin, an organisation on the Isle of Man that promotes Manx culture. As they say in part of their vision statement: "A strong and vibrant language, exciting traditional music scene and growing sense of identity sends out a message to the world of a confident, innovative and proud island nation." They have taken quotes from Professor Alice Roberts in an interview with Isle of Man newspapers ahead of the recent Manx CeltFest festival. Alice Roberts is an anatomist, osteoarchaeologist, physical anthropologist, palaeopathologist, television presenter and author. In 2015 she co-presented a 3-part BBC TV documentary with Neil Oliver, entitled The Celts: Blood, Iron and Sacrifice,and wrote the book: The Celts: Search for a Civilisation.

"The Isle of Man is very much in the centre of what we think of as the modern Celtic Nations. Really those nations are defined by their languages"

"The fact that Celtic people speak Celtic languages here or in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, Cornwall and in Brittany shows there is a commonality that goes back through those languages."

"It is about constructing identity, and its about culture, and that union of culture and identity is interesting and meaningful. It creates meaning in people's lives."