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 associated
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).