Seamus Heaney Lectures 2008/2009

The thought-provoking third lecture in the Seamus Heaney Lecture Series was delivered on 1 December by Professor Mary Hickman, Professor of Irish Studies and Sociology at London Metropolitan University and Dr Abel Ugba, Lecturer in the School of Social Sciences, Media and Cultural Studies, University of East London.

In the lecture Professor Hickman addressed issues around diasporic identities in Great Britain with special reference to the Irish experience and in particular the ambiguities of acceptance and rejection for so-called second-generation Irish.

Dr Ugba highlighted the complications attendant on a seemingly simple concept like ‘home’ and the issue of what defines home.  He was somewhat cautious about long-term prospects of immigrants feeling accepted in Ireland, affected as this is by the recent downturn in the economy. Dr Ugba’s input at this lecture was recorded in the Irish Times.

The insights Professor Hickman and Dr Ugba gave made a significant contribution to the debate in this area and prompted the audience during an interesting ‘questions and answers’ session to consider the complexities of terminologies connected to this area.

Following this discussion, perhaps we will pause and think before we ask the question ‘Where do you come from?’ in the future!

The next lecture in the current series which takes place on 2 February 2009 is entitled 'Cultúr na Gaeilge nó Pobal na Gaeilge? Irish Language Identity from Douglas Hyde to Des Bishop' and will be delivered by Dr Máirín Nic Eoin, Head of the Irish Department, St Patrick's College.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Last Updated: Wednesday December 10 2008