Hebridean Traditions of the Eastern Townships of Quebec : A Study in Cultural Identity

The author points out that the vast majority of the Scottish emigrants to the Eastern Townahips were from the Isle of Lewis, entirely Gaelic-speaking, mostly crofting families, who suffered the severe effects of the potato famine of 1846—51. Emigration to the Townships continued untill the end of the nineteenth century, by which time relatively large tracts of land that had been granted by the British American Land Company had been cleared and farmed by the Gaelic community. By examining the historical background, traditional folk culture, society and values of the Gaels of the Outer Hebrides who settled in the Eastern Townships, the author identifies the influences of the Gaels on the area from its earliest beginnings to the late twentieth century. She investigates the elements that constitute the identity of these descendents who no longer speak the Gaelic language, but who, nevertheless, have distinctively different characteristics from their French neighbours. By explaining the significance of inherited patterns in Gaelic culture and of subsequent trends in acculturation, the author's work aims to contribute to a better understanding of the Eastern Townships and of Quebec.

PhD dissertation

University of Edinburgh

Edinburgh, Scotland

1994

lxii-390p.

en