Kneecap vs. Rusch-Büeblä – language identity expressed through music in Switzerland and Ireland

Abstract

This article examines the music and lyrics of the Swiss Ländler band Rusch-Büeblä and the Northern Irish hip-hop band Kneecap exploring the portrayal of their language ideologies and national identities. Despite the contrasting music genres to which they belong, they are united in their unexpected rise in popularity with both bands utilising their respective native languages, Swiss German and Irish, to express their patriotic sensibilities. The general language developments taking place in both countries are analysed in light of how they are reflected in Rusch-Büeblä’s desire to uphold traditional Swiss norms versus Kneecap’s fight for linguistic acceptance, expressed in their music.