Print as Technology: The Case of the Irish Language, 1571–1850

doi:10.1017/9781009182881.003

Chapter 1 - Print as Technology: The Case of the Irish Language, 1571–1850

from Part I - Genealogies

Published online by Cambridge University Press: 19 January 2023

Marc Caball

Edited by

Margaret Kelleher and

James O'Sullivan

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Margaret Kelleher: Affiliation:
University College Dublin
James O'Sullivan: Affiliation:
University College Cork

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Summary

This essay explores overlapping and intersecting modes of communicative interchange which characterised Gaelic cultural expression in the long early modern period. For a variety of complex reasons, print failed to supplant script as a communicative mode in Irish until arguably late in the nineteenth century and early in the twentieth century. Accordingly, the present essay seeks to delineate an often elusive but nonetheless intellectually dynamic encounter between print technology and communication in Irish down to the nineteenth century. Given the potent cultural and historical resonance of Gaelic script, it is argued that early modern Gaelic Protestants were acutely attentive to the ideological implications of an alignment of venerable scribal practice with print technology in the presentation of a new and radical religious programme. It is proposed that a vibrant Gaelic scribal culture was informed and energised by a creative confluence of script, print, and orality.

Keywords

Irish language and culture early modern script orality print technology

Type: Chapter
Information: Technology in Irish Literature and Culture , pp. 11 - 28

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1017/9781009182881.003 [Opens in a new window]

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Print publication year: 2023

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