About The Speaker
Rob Dunbar
Rob is Chair of Celtic languages, Literature, History and Antiquities of the University of Edinburgh. His research focuses on language policy and planning for Scottish Gaelic, for other Celtic languages (particularly Welsh and Irish), and for minoritized languages. His work on legal instruments (international, national and sub-national) support language policy and planning initiatives; Gaelic broadcasting, and provision for broadcasting in other minoritized languages
Originally from Canada, Prof Dunbar has dedicated nearly two decades to Gaelic language development but also to Gaelic literature, culture and society from the late eighteenth to the early twentieth century, and on Gaelic in Canada. Before assuming the role of Chair of Celtic Studies at the University of Edinburgh in June 2013, he held positions as Senior Research Professor at the University of the Highlands and Islands, and Research Director of the collaborative Soillse Research Project.
His collaborations extends to various international organisations such as the Council of Europe, where he currently serves as the UK member of the Committee of Experts, the treaty body which oversees implementation of the Council of Europe’s European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. Additionally, he has worked closely with national and sub-national governments, including the National Assembly for Wales, as well as governmental and non-governmental organisations, focusing on issues related to the preservation and revitalization of minority languages and the safeguarding of their speakers He has served as a member of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and MG Alba, and played a role in the formulation of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 and the establishment of BBC Alba, Scotland’s Gaelic digital television service.