THE « CELTS »: QUESTIONS OF NOMENCLATURE AND IDENTITY

Abstract

This paper counters doubts raised recently about the validity of the term « Celtic » as a linguistically oriented ethnonym with evidence that the ancient continental peoples so designated in classical sources did indeed call themselves Keltoi and with an etymology of their hitherto problematical name as a formation most unlikely to have been created after the Proto-Celtic period itself. Various attested designations of speakers of closely related « Celtic » languages in Ireland and Britain are then considered. Finally, a brief look at the modern revival of the term after centuries in abeyance leads to the conclusion that it remains valid, linguistically at least, despite various questionable uses to which it has been put since its reintroduction into academic and popular discourse.