Religious Texts in the Celtic Languages, 1500–1900

About the event

While religious literature from this period has often been neglected in favour of either medieval or modern material on the one hand, or secular literature on the other, scholars increasingly recognize the key role of Bible translations, catechisms, liturgies, sermons, hymns and spiritual verse (among other genres) in the development of literacy and standard language varieties in the early modern period, as well as in the growth of literary traditions and spiritual and cultural expression.

Many stateless nations and minoritized peoples of Europe began writing their native languages for the first time in this period, while others sought to maintain and adapt long-standing literary traditions to new contexts. Religious texts from a diversity of denominations and traditions often played a key role in these processes, as Celtic-speaking communities amply demonstrate.

Call for papers

Abstracts for 20-minute presentations are invited on any linguistic, philological, literary, historical or theological topic relating to religious prose and verse in the Celtic languages from 1500 to 1900 (including Irish, Scottish Gaelic, Manx, Welsh, Breton and Cornish).

We especially encourage papers which incorporate innovative and interdisciplinary approaches, methodologies and frameworks, and which engage with overlooked texts, genres, languages, religious traditions, localities and authors, including texts produced by women. We also welcome analysis of the longer-term and present-day impact and legacy of these texts, as well as comparative analyses which extend beyond the Celtic language family.

Please send abstracts of no more than 300 words to Christopher Lewin by 30 November 2026.

How to attend

This event is open to all, and free to attend. You can book your ticket for free on Eventbrite.

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