How did Scottish language disappear in Scotland?

Question

How did Scottish language disappear in Scotland?

Answer 1

Lowland Scots have spoken English since the early middle ages (800ad approx), Scottish Gallic is native in the Western Isle's and Highlands. But over time this has become less of a first language to them. English seems to have supplanted the British dialect spoken by the decedents of Roman provincials in the Kingdom of Strathclyde while Gallic supplanted the Pictish tongues as the Irish Scot's took over more land in the North.



Edinburgh was actually founded by the Anglo-Saxon Kingdom of Northumbria.



So Gallic is not the native tongue for the vast majority of the Scottish population (being concentrated in the central belt). It is actually Scots-English, it's own distinct dialect.

Answer 2

There are two living languages, Gaelic and Scots. Gaelic is spoken as a gesture of regional or national pride, and learned by some Scottish people out of academic interest. It ceased to decline some years ago, and is now slowly reappearing.



Scots, the language of the Lowlands, is still very widely understood thanks to the works of Burns and others, and has a much-loved place - certainly as a written language - in Scottish culture.



Slan na Gael!

Answer 3

Well as someone who was born in the Highlands (Inverness) I will tell you and many who have posted complete nonsense on here.

Yes it is true to say it hasn't completely died out but if it wasn't for the islands and families it would have long ago.

Both my grandparents, who lived in a village called 'Stoer', spoke gaelic, as did all of the villagers. However they all spoke English as well. The reason they spoke both was because it was banned, yes banned, to teach Gaelic to children in schools in the highlands. Unbelievably it was also banned from being spoken in the playground!! (my grandfather often got the belt for this heinous crime!). Without their parents (my great grandparents) they would not have spoken a single word of gaelic, so the main reason gaelic has survived at all is down to families teaching it to themselves. If the (English) government had there way it would be dead.

Answer 4

As I understand it Gaelic has not been completely eradicated.

Would Robert Burns poetical works sound as effective in any other language but English.



Would I be correct in saying that all official government works and legal cases are quoted in English.

Why?

Is it because English is an international recognised language whilst Gaelic is nothing more than a minority language.



It partly disappeared because most transactions be they government, civil or legal are carried out in the English language.

Answer 5

The Scottish language, Erse, has NOT disappeared. It is still spoken by Residents of the Hebridian islands and Skye.

Answer 6

"The Social, Economic & Political Reasons for the Decline of Gaelic in Scotland"

http://www.scottishhistory.com/articles/highlands/gaelic/gaelic_page1.html :-)

Answer 7

The vast majority of people in Scotland prefer to speak English

Answer 8

it happened ages ago,its their culture now and nobody likes having to listen to alittle know-it-all. i just dont get why some people feel we have to get things over on each other,we irish and scots should be stickin together.

Answer 9

It's a pity John Bull didn't learn about capital letters and punctuation when he was being masterful !

Answer 10

Chan eil mi a' tuigsinn a' cheist!

Answer 11

Tune in to BBC ALBA. It's still going strong.

Answer 12

It was outlawed by the English that ruled Scotland.

Answer 13

It evolved over time.

Answer 14

David Copperfield did it. It was magical. Dumbass

Answer 15

It didn't.