Manx Language Renaissance

The Manx Language continues to prosper and experience a growing revival. As reported in the on-line BBC News Magazine on 31st January 2013. There is an increased use in the numbers speaking Manx Gaelic, which is closely linked to Irish and Scottish Gaelic. This remarkable growth is also reflected in the road signage, mobile phone apps, broadcasts on Manx Radio and novels. The language declined significantly from the mid-nineteenth century when economic depression resulted in emigration. Many parents thought that just encouraging their children to speak English would help their job chances abroad. This was combined with the prevention of speaking the native tongue in schools at that time.

A debt is owed to the dedicated people over the years that kept the language alive. This has allowed those that have followed to expand the use of Manx and given it the base for the further expansion that it enjoys today.  Combined with Manx Government Funding, a flourishing adult education programme, a dedicated Manx language primary school and it being taught in other schools the future looks positive for Manx Gaelic. The BBC News Magazine article quotes from Brian Stowell, who broadcasts in Manx on Manx Radio about the growth of interest and Adrian Cain, Manx Language Development Officer for Manx National Heritage who looks at innovations currently underway.