Political Discourse and National Identity in Scotland

This book addresses issues of national identity and nationalism in Scotland from a political and linguistic perspective. It compares a variety of attitudes and opinions from the political elite to the masses, examining the nature of national identity held by members of these groups and the differences within and between them. There is consideration of non-civic aspects of national identity, as well as a measure of political party nationalism in Scotland over the past forty years that illustrates the ideological movements of each major party during this period. This work also represents the first comprehensive examination of the discourse involved in the expression of national identity within Scottish politics and society, combining quantitative and discourse analysis methods to illustrate the articulation of national identity by differing groups in different contexts. Key Features Presents a detailed consideration of the language used within the political and nationalist arena in Scotland Compares a variety of attitudes and opinions held within Scotland from the political elite to the masses Introduces a new method for measuring political nationalism using manifesto analysis

Reviews of Political Discourse and National Identity in Scotland

A clear, precise, observant, politically nuanced analysis of the many different kinds of nationalism and national identity in Scotland, the ways they are expressed and the political behaviour to which they give rise. This book is a treat, and an education too. — Murray Pittock, author of The Road to Independence? Leith and Soule's work, given how solitary it is on the market, will prove most important in the next few years when it is assumed the campaign for an independent Scotland will accelerate. British Politics and Policy at LSE Blog A clear, precise, observant, politically nuanced analysis of the many different kinds of nationalism and national identity in Scotland, the ways they are expressed and the political behaviour to which they give rise. This book is a treat, and an education too. Leith and Soule's work, given how solitary it is on the market, will prove most important in the next few years when it is assumed the campaign for an independent Scotland will accelerate.