Johann Gottfried von Herder
The German romantic thinker who argued that each nation has a unique volksgeist (national spirit) expressed through its language, culture, and traditions, which should be preserved and celebrated.
Real World
The revival of the Welsh language — through institutions like S4C (the Welsh-language TV channel) and compulsory Welsh teaching in schools — reflects Herder's belief that preserving a nation's language is essential to preserving its volksgeist.
Exam Focus
Contrast Herder's inclusive cultural nationalism with chauvinistic nationalism to show evaluative depth — examiners reward nuanced comparisons between thinkers.
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