Welsh Journals

the book flat and monotonous. The subject abounds with problems, cultural, historical, political. Here, for example, are ten questions which are implicit in Mr. Stephens's material. 1. Political philosophy. Does the individual have a 'right' to speak his 'own' language-other than to himself? As ever, the term 'right' must be unpacked before the question can be discussed. 2. Historically, does the loss of language always imply the conquest of a society ? Is language assimilated on no other terms ? Are the centralisation and standardization of language never justified? 3. What are the connections between language and the occupation of territory ? What then is the significance of migration ? 4. Government. Is linguistic survival dependent on political autonomy? Does federalism offer a constitutional solution? 5. What is known of the psychology of the linguistically oppressed ? Are we concerned with inconveniences and discomfort, or humiliation and trauma? How can we explain the ferocity of language politics on both sides of the divide? 6. What is the role of key social groups in linguistic politics-the intelligentsia, the peasantry, the young? 7. The economic condition of linguistic decline. What is the relation- ship of language problems to tourism and the settlement of the retired-which are often associated with declining agriculture? In some areas tourists and the retired sustain economically a language which is at the same time threatened by their presence. 8. What do language problems reveal of the nature of central govern- ments-not just that they are centralising, for French and British governments are rather different in that respect ? 9. How is the loss of language related to entry into active politics ? Mr. Stephens makes an interesting point here about Ireland which could be replicated in Welsh history. 10. What are the organisational and ideological tendencies of linguistic movements-schismatic, certainly (the 'groupuscule' is a character- istic form), left-leaning probably, but Maurras as well as Marx is involved ? Mr. Stephens's book prompts reflections of this kind and touches on responses to some of them. The condition of linguistic minorities is highly suitable for comparative analysis because there are sharp differences and fundamental similarities. Mr. Stephens has done some of the ground work; the next stage, systematic comparative analysis, is a challenge to the professionals. P. J. MADGWICK Aberystwyth GEOGRAPHY, CULTURE AND HABITAT: Selected Essays (1925-1975) of E. G. Bowen. Gomer Press, Llandyssul, Dyfed, 1976. Pp. xxxiii, 275. £ 6.00. Geography, Culture and Habitat is a collection of selected essays publish- ed as a gesture of appreciation for the work of Emrys Bowen, Emeritus Professor of Geography and Anthropology at the University College of Wales, Aberystwyth, on the occasion of his seventy-fifth birthday. Four-