Gaelic language and culture in north-east Scotland : a diachronic study
The thesis outlines the history of the Gaelic language and culture in North-East Scotland which is defined as the old counties of Kincardine, Aberdeen, Banff, Moray and Nairn. After an introductory description of the North-East, the thesis explores the rise of Gaelic culture, the displacement of Pictish culture by Gaelic, and the dominant position of Gaelic in the North-East by the 12<sup>th</sup> century as indicated in contemporary sources such as the <I>Book of Deer</I>. The thesis also describes the emergence of a linguistic and cultural frontier which endured between the 12<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> centuries, the association of Gaelic culture with the concept of the 'wild Scot', and the perception of the <I>Gaidhealtachd</I> as a region distinguished by language, dress and customs. In exploring these themes, particular areas have been commented upon, including, the church, law and administration and the burghs. Changing attitudes to Gaelic language and culture since the Reformation period have been outlined. The effect of Reformation politics on the North-East Gaelic communities, against a background of wider Scottish events, have been charted with frequent resort to contemporary sources such
Horsburgh, David Henry Robert
History
Gaelic language and culture in north-east Scotland : a diachronic study. The thesis outlines the history of the Gaelic language and culture in North-East Scotland which is defined as the old counties of Kincardine, Aberdeen, Banff, Moray and Nairn. After an introductory description of the North-East, the thesis explores the rise of Gaelic culture, the displacement of Pictish culture by Gaelic, and the dominant position of Gaelic in the North-East by the 12<sup>th</sup> century as indicated in contemporary sources such as the <I>Book of Deer</I>. The thesis also describes the emergence of a linguistic and cultural frontier which endured between the 12<sup>th</sup> and 19<sup>th</sup> centuries, the association of Gaelic culture with the concept of the 'wild Scot', and the perception of the <I>Gaidhealtachd</I> as a region distinguished by language, dress and customs. In exploring these themes, particular areas have been commented upon, including, the church, law and administration and the burghs. Changing attitudes to Gaelic language and culture since the Reformation period have been outlined. The effect of Reformation politics on the North-East Gaelic communities, against a background of wider Scottish events, have been charted with frequent resort to contemporary sources such
gaelic_language culture north_east_scotland diachronic_study outline_history gaelic_language culture north_east_scotland define old county aberdeen introductory description north_east explore rise gaelic culture displacement pictish culture gaelic dominant_position gaelic north east indicate contemporary_source book deer also describe emergence linguistic_cultural frontier endure association gaelic culture concept wild perception region distinguish language dress custom explore_theme particular area comment upon include church law administration burgh changing attitude gaelic_language culture since reformation_period outline effect reformation politics north east gaelic community background wider scottish event chart frequent resort contemporary_source