- SIRFA recommends researchers engage with the Gaelic language
It is good practice for archaeological researchers working across the Outer Hebrides to engage with the Gaelic language and to understand the importance and relevance of Gaelic in their work. Gaelic is relevant to researchers of all archaeological periods, albeit to varying degrees. This recommendation responds to and builds on Key Performance Indictors in Historic Environment Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026 (KPI 4), to increase confidence and fluency in Gaelic language.
- SIRFA recommends that researcher engage with Gaelic culture and heritage
It is recommended that archaeological researchers familiarise themselves with Gaelic culture, heritage and history. This includes awareness of the historic treatment of Gaelic speakers. Visiting the region, speaking with local communities and engaging with key community groups, as well as communicating with the local authority archaeologist and engaging with national bodies who have responsibility for language in the area are all recommended first steps. This recommendation responds to and builds on Key Performance Indictors in Historic Environment Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026 (KPI 3), to increase understanding of Gaelic and how it relates to our work.
- SIRFA supports interdisciplinary research that specifically incorporates Gaelic
Archaeological researchers are encouraged to engage with Gaelic material and utilise these resources directly in their research. Better communication and more joined up thinking between Gaelic and archaeology researchers is also strongly encouraged. It is suggested that interdisciplinary research projects that bring together archaeological and Gaelic expertise are prioritised. Researchers should consider working with and getting in touch with local historic groups and culture groups who hold a wealth of knowledge and resources. This recommendation responds to and builds on Strategic priority 3 in Historic Environment Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026, to drive research that enhances our understanding of Gaelic in the context of the historic environment.
- SIRFA recommends using local Gaelic placenames
It is recommended that researchers consider carefully their use of placenames when recording and publishing archaeological sites. In the main, preferencing Gaelic names for archaeological sites is recommended, followed by the English or Anglicised form where required. Where possible, it is recommended that the use of localised placenames becomes standard practice. However, there is value in maintaining English placenames for clarity where these are already established in published literature. General township names should generally be avoided; township names are rarely specific enough to accurately locate an archaeological site and are a missed opportunity to incorporate the value of toponymic information. Anglicised versions of Gaelic placenames are generally discouraged, especially where these are not in common usage. Crucially, there is not a simple one-size-fits-all approach to the appropriate use of place names across the Outer Hebrides. Instead SIRFA urges archaeologists to research and investigate place and site names thoroughly, and to consult locally. Colloquial language, used in informal settings, may also add value to this discussion.
- SIRFA recommends inclusion of Gaelic in the presentation of archaeological work
It is suggested that researchers consider using Gaelic in archaeological presentation, interpretation and publication. Inclusion of Gaelic language in these contexts raises the profile of Gaelic and demonstrates that Gaelic is valuable and valued by archaeologists. Fully Gaelic-medium resources are hugely valuable to local communities, visitors, learners and for education at every level. There is potential for producing new resources in collaboration with Gaelic agencies and Scottish Government that increase community engagement with archaeological research topics. This recommendation responds to and builds on Strategic Priority 5 in Historic Environment Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026, to establish and build on partnerships with children and young people, educational professionals and other organisations to continue to develop engaging learning and education resources in Gaelic.
- SIRFA encourages the integration of community knowledge in both Gaelic and English.
Inclusion of community knowledge can significantly increase public and community engagement in archaeology in many ways. Most obvious here is the inclusion of native Gaelic speakers. As a predominantly oral culture, huge amounts of information are held in oral recordings or in the memories of older community members and with changing demographics across island communities, capturing community knowledge needs to be prioritised. Furthermore, the inclusion of Gaelic and effective integration of local communities in archaeological research further enables the reclamation of Hebridean heritage from colonial narratives. Community engagement and narrative reclamation via Gaelic inclusion has the potential to encourage and stimulate greater local interest, engagement and investment in the heritage and archaeology of the Outer Hebrides.
- SIRFA highlights the importance of translation work
The recommendation here is twofold. Firstly, many useful research resources for archaeologists are currently only available in Gaelic-medium. There are considerable collections held in the local Comman Eachdraidh, for example, with the potential to enhance a wide range of archaeological research topics. The professional translation and dating of these collections are highly recommended and will facilitate the incorporation of Gaelic sources into archaeological research. Secondly, professional translation work that enables the publication of existing archaeological interpretation work in Gaelic medium is valuable and will support delivery of Strategic Priority 5 in Historic Environment Scotland’s Gaelic Language Plan 2023-2026, to develop engaging learning and education resources in Gaelic.
Specific recommendations for archaeological researchers working in Gaelic communities across the Outer Hebrides are outlined on the Gàidhlig page.