EXPERTS in Liverpool are breathing new life into the "dead" language of the Isle of Man.
Researchers at the University of Liverpool's Centre for Manx Studies have been awarded a £70,000 grant from the Manx Heritage Foundation to discover more about Manx Gaelic language.
The language experienced a sharp decline in the 19th century, virtually dying out among the people of Man and being officially pronounced dead by the academic world.
But over the past 30 years, Manx Gaelic has undergone a revival with more people than ever keen to speak it.
Dr Kewley Draskau will be travelling to the island to conduct the research at the Centre for Manx Studies.
She said: "Ultimately, we have a long-term vision for the revival of Manx Gaelic and our work is designed to ensure that plenty of teachers and workers in the language will be available in the future."
Dr Draskau, who is Manx, will be basing the study around topics of conversation and recordings of existing speakers to capture the diversity of Manx expressions for posterity.
They will also produce a new handbook about the language.
Peter Bridson, chairman of Merseyside Manx Society, said the push for the revival is being made mainly by newcomers to the island.
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