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ID: 192967

Intracultural dialogue as a precursor to cross-community initiatives: the Irish language among Protestants/unionists in Northern Ireland / Craith, Mairead Nic; McDermott, Philip

McDermott, Philip	Journal Article
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Summary/Abstract

While peace agreements are major milestones in ending conflict, the remnants of antagonism often continue well beyond the signing of a ‘text’. Language issues are often far more important for the stability of a post-conflict region than is generally recognised. We focus on Northern Ireland as a case study of a society that has been divided along religious and ethnic lines and where language has reflected these schisms. Drawing on 20 years of fieldwork in the region, we focus on the significance of intracultural dialogue among the Protestant community as a precursor to cross-community language initiatives. The lack of mechanism for intra- as well as multi-cultural dialogues has stymied the emergence of respect for linguistic diversity, which is at the heart of the discourse central within many peace processes.

Key Words

Northern Ireland ; Dialogue ; Irish Language ; Unionists ; Cross - Community

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ID: 147009

Public space, collective memory and intercultural dialogue in a (UK) city of culture / McDermott, Philip; Craith, Mairead Nic ; Strani, Katerina

McDermott, Philip	Journal Article
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Summary/Abstract

Using the case study of Derry~Londonderry and its designation as ‘UK City of Culture 2013’, the primary objective of this research paper is to critically analyse the challenges associated with the production of a year-long cultural programme in a culturally and politically divided place. Given that Northern Ireland’s second largest city has been understood in terms of a conflict between ‘two traditions’, Irish/Catholic and British/Protestant, we critically assess the dialogue and policy negotiations with reference to public places as well as representations of collective memory and traditional music during the year. Fieldwork over two years has enabled us to investigate how culture and identity politics are played out in the context of a city undergoing a process of reconciliation. Placing our case study in a strongly comparative context, we argue that cultural concerns are pivotal points of (re-)negotiation in any society transitioning from conflict to ‘peace’ and that this issue, therefore, is of vital concern to academics and policymakers alike internationally.

Key Words

Heritage ; Collective Memory ; Public Space ; Intercultural Dialogue ; Derry Londonderry ; UK City of Culture

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