One possible definition of ethnicity is "a sense of group identity deriving from real or perceived common bonds such as language, race or religion" (Isajiw, 1974, quoted after Edwards, 1977, p. 254). Nationalism can be considered an extension of ethnicity, as the belief that nations possess certain characteristics which differentiate them from other nations is as- sociated with the desire to promote the strength and ambitions of the nation one belongs to. Language is an important part of group identity, as it provides a link with the past, and a distinctive feature differentiating one group from those around it. Thus the Republic of Ireland states in Article 8 of its Constitution that "The Irish language as the national language is the first official language". This is because, as stated in paragraph 6 of the white paper The Restoration of the Irish Language (1965, p. 6)