Literature is closely involved with that most common and sturdy of all community arts, language. As the most complex renovator of language, literature holds a central place both in relation to other artforms and arts activity (e.g. theatre, community arts, traditional arts), and to issues of cultural diversity in Northern Ireland where literature in English is vitally engaged with, and empowered by, a vigorous speech, which itself reflects a diversity of influences from Irish and from Scots. Nor can language be divorced from the variety of its historical and cultural contexts.

The Arts Council has welcomed the growing interest in both Ulster Scots and Irish; and has recognised the role of the Ulster Scots Language Society and Irish-language organisations in maintaining these important parts of our heritage and in retrieving the work of our writers.

SUPPORT

All criteria applied to English-language literature applications apply also to literature in Irish and Ulster Scots. It is true that the number of people currently equipped to read and write such literature is comparatively small, though increasing. The Council has encouraged writing in Ulster Scots and Irish by:

The Council has adopted a less reactive and more pro-active approach.

STATUS

In respect of attitudes to lesser-used languages, many advocates have pointed to the policy of the Scottish Arts Council with regard to Gaelic: e.g. its generous support for the Gaelic Books Council and the National Gaelic Arts project. Given the different proportion (and different social geography) of Irish speakers in Northern Ireland, for example, a more grass-roots approach is desirable, if we wish to encourage (a) excellent writing, and (b) wider appreciation and enjoyment of its qualities and traditions. Accordingly, administrative and decision-making structures have been established and resources found to enable the Council to work in tandem with such bodies as the ULTACH Trust and An Cultúrlann McAdam-Ó Fiaich. Moreover, the recognition of Ulster Scots, as the Scots language in Ulster, by the United Kingdom Committee of the European Bureau for Lesser Used Languages, has considerably enhanced the status of Ulster Scots; within the European Union, it now enjoys linguistic parity of status with other minority languages.

INTERCHANGE

One reason for the new interest in lesser-used languages throughout the island is a mature recognition of the interdependence of literary traditions. Writers do not see their literary worlds as mutually exclusive. Thus it is desirable that writing in Irish or Ulster Scots should not be segregated from the creative and critical momentum of literature as a whole, and all means of developing this interchange – such as joint readings – are to be encouraged.

The Good Friday Agreement

The Good Friday Agreement declares that "all participants recognise the importance of respect, understanding and tolerance in relation to linguistic diversity, including in Northern Ireland, the Irish language, Ulster-Scots and the languages of the various ethnic communities, all of which are part of the cultural wealth of the island of Ireland."

TRADITION

Traditional arts are a common heritage; in Northern Ireland, they are the meeting ground of many influences – Irish, Scottish, English and, further, European and American. They comprise singing in Irish, English, Hiberno-English and Ulster Scots; storytelling in these linguistic formations; music, which incorporates Gaelic, Scottish and English traditions; dance, whether Irish, Scottish or drawing upon other influences; and a massive and amorphous body of folk-custom and belief. They are not the preserve of any one section of the community, but rather are the confluence of various repertoires and stylistic traits in these islands; and, historically, they have been practised and enjoyed by all.