This volume examines in-depth the many facets of language and identity in the complex linguistic landscape of Ireland. The role of the heritage language Irish is scrutinized as are the manifold varieties of English spoken in regions of the island determined by both geography and social contexts. Language as a vehicle of national and cultural identity is center-stage as is the representation of identity in various media types and text genres. In addition, the volume examines the self-image of the Irish as reflected in various self-portrayals and references, e.g. in humorous texts. Identity as an aspect of both public and private life in contemporary Ireland, and its role in the gender interface, is examined closely in several chapters. This collection is aimed at both scholars and students interested in langage and identity in the milti-layered situation of Ireland, both historically and at present. By addressing general issues surrounding the dynamic and vibrant research area of identity it reaches out to readers beyond Ireland who are concerned with the pivotal role this factor plays in present-day societies.

• Preface
• Contents
• I. Historical and contemporary dimensions of identity
• 1.Linguistic identities in Ireland – Contexts and issues
• 2. The Irish language and contemporary Irish identity
• 3. Language identity, ideology and historical bilingualism in Ireland
• 4. Adjusting language identity: Twentieth-century shifts in Irish English pronunciation
• 5. Positive evaluative stance and /t/ frication – a sociophonetic analysis of /t/ realisations in Dublin English
• 6. Perceptions of linguistic identity among Irish English speakers
• 7. Ulster Scots identity in contemporary Northern Ireland
• II. Linguistic identity across diverse sources
• 8. Intimacy and identity in Irish English: A corpus pragmatic approach to the study of personal pronouns
• 9. Salience and stereotypes: The construction of Irish identity in Irish jokes
• 10. It’s gems like this that make me wish I hadn’t left Ireland!: Humorous representations of Irish English and their role in diasporic identities
• 11. Constructing identity in radio advertising in Ireland
• 12. ‘These kids don’t even sound . . . Irish anymore’: Representing ‘new’ Irishness in contemporary Irish fiction
• 13. Migration experiences and identity construction in nineteenth-century Irish emigrant letters
• Index