Ben Ó Ceallaigh
Abstract Within language revitalisation circles, the revival of Manx is often cited as a notable success story offering hope to many beleaguered small language communities worldwide. Outside these circles, however, the Isle of Man is more often mentioned – typically in less glowing terms – in reference to its status as a tax haven for international capital. While small, the island is a major player in the global economic order, and public policy there exemplifies many characteristics of neoliberal capitalism. This article explores some of the ways in which neoliberalism, characterised by low levels of public investment, has created a society inconducive to the revitalisation of Manx, with aspects of the revival therefore struggling in recent years. The high degree of precarity that many people in neoliberal societies face is discussed and, drawing on political science literature about “postmaterialism”, I argue that this sort of socio-economic environment is unlikely to contribute to the success of causes such as language revitalisation. I also explore how an austere fiscal climate impacts important Manx-language educational provision and limits the funding available for various public bodies that are key to the revival. I conclude with some brief comments about the inequality that tax havens such as the Isle of Man have a key part in creating and its detrimental consequences for the maintenance of language diversity globally.