Manx Gaelic (Part 5, The Celtic Languages)

Manx Outside the Isle of Man

There are not any significant Manx-speaking communities outside the Isle of Man, but like all of the Celtic nations, the island has produced countless immigrants throughout the world. Consequently, there are many learners spread over the globe, with or without strong Manx heritage.

Current Status of Manx

Technically, Manx has been extinct since 1974. However, it is estimated that between 200 and 300 people speak it today, as a second language, most of whom learned it as adults (2). This situation and the timing of the ‘extinction’ make its revival stronger than the other recently extinct Celtic language, Cornish. The number of Manx speakers increased more than 70% between the 1961 and 1971 censuses (1), on the eve of the language’s extinction, which shows that the learners—and the revival—were making solid progress. But for true success of the revival, government support would be necessary. It seems that this might be easier in the Isle of Man than the other Celtic nations, because it is the only sovereign nation among them. However, it was not until the 1980s that the government did start giving some real support to the language (4).

In 1985, Coonceil na Gaelgey (the Manx Gaelic Advisory Council) and the Manx Heritage Foundation were established, and the following year Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh was given an office (1). In 1989 the government commissioned a poll which included questions about the interest in Manx, and found that 36% of the population would like it to be offered in schools (3). That year, Manx Gaelic classes were offered in all of the islands 30 primary and 6 secondary schools (3). These courses were voluntary and places limited (and some students had to be turned away). Interestingly, both “native” and “immigrant” Manx are sending their children to the Manx schools (3). The number of speakers increased with the 1991 census, and now the children who have been learning it in school has meant that the number of younger speakers in particular has grown. One of the most important developments is the 1997 establishment of a Manx-medium playgroup for children ages 3-5, called Mooinjer Veggey, or Little People (4).

All of this adds up to positive improvement, but it certainly does not mean that the language is thriving. But the goal of the revivalists does not seem to be to have everyone on the island speaking primarily Manx. Instead, it is seem

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