Recently released census data on Irish in Northern Ireland, Manx, Welsh and Gaelic indicate very different progress in reversing language shift. Irish is fairly steadily maintained, Manx has shown vigorous revival, Gaelic is in scarcely retarded free-fall, and Welsh shows strong evidence of genuine recovery.

Original conceptual tools of intergenerational ratio and intergenerational gain/loss have been developed which enable RLS to be assessed. Welsh is highly positive both nationally and in every local education authority area. Gaelic has, however, some local strengths. Manx RLS can be linked to Manxmedium schooling, and the effects of Irish-medium schooling in Northern Ireland can also be seen.

These results indicate different language-function in these societies, its symbolization and re-symbolization. A dynamic picture of different social processes, and their outcomes, can inform language policy. A review of policies is required, especially for Gaelic.

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