Language policy and prospects: Metalinguistic discourses on social disruption and language maintenance in a transatlantic, minority community

Abstract Language activists, teachers and policymakers in Scotland Nova Scotia often allude to the role that new speakers may play ensuring future maintenance of Scottish Gaelic on either side Atlantic. In many ways, globalisation greater digital connectivity have mitigated effects physical distance between ocean, whilst simultaneously cementing dominant position English. Meanwhile, second language teaching is increasingly utilised create cohorts speakers, as intergenerational transmission continues decline. Based five years ethnographic research Canada, this paper examines six speaker narratives concerning prospects for revitalisation each country. Challenging sociodemographic circumstances remaining Gaelic-dominant communities contrast with current discourses language's prospects. particular, I consider Scotian speakers' relative sense optimism their province.