"Mol an óige agus tiocfaidh sí": examining the relationship between Gaeloideachas and community regeneration in West Belfast

Gaeilge activism has parallels with Language Reclamation, a bottom-up decolonial form of activism that connects language with community, education, and ecology, to prioritise community need and self-determination (Leonard, 2019). Despite these parallels, the Gaeilge language movement has not been situated in a context of language reclamation. Doing so would shed light on these global movements for decolonisation and self-determination, and facilitate an internationalist orientation in local forms of activism.<br><br>This dissertation aims to situate the Gaeilge language movement within the context of Language Reclamation and aims to investigate the relationship between Gaeloideachas and community regeneration.

Using decolonising research methodologies which centre the needs and narratives of those at the heart of the study, this dissertation finds that an intentional and symbiotic relationship exists between Gaeloideachas and community regeneration for the purposes of language reclamation. The study also shows how Coláiste Feirste employs critical literacy to promote student participation in language reclamation activism in their communities.

Finally, this dissertation places the challenges and barriers faced by Gaeloideachas in the context of colonial-hegemony and concludes that a systemic propensity exists to contain and constrain Gaeloideachas.<br><br><i>Thesis is embargo is until 31 July 2027.</i><br>