Tuesday, March 08, 2011

‘Tir gan teanga, tir gan annam’

Irish is one of the oldest and most historic written languages in the world. The earliest evidence of this is preserved in OGHAM inscriptions dating from the 4th Century. Much has changed since then and it can now be found in more than 4,500 books, on the television, on the radio, in the newspapers, magazines, and on the internet.

A question the Irish nation has been asking itself since the creation of the State is –Is the Irish Language in decline and is there any point in trying to revive it? Since Douglas Hyde founded the Gaelic League in 1893, there has been a constant battle to revive the Irish Language and Culture throughout the Country. Down through the years this revival has not been helped by large scale emigration and by the attitude taken by many Irish people who felt using the English language was the only way forward.

Despite the relative lack of Irish speakers in the country supporters of the language point out that the interest among the general public has never been greater. The language has seen a resurgence over the last few years with the advent of TG4, recognition on an EU level and the adventures of Des ‘King of the Gaeilge’ Bishop to mention but a few.

It has never been easier to improve ones Irish-even if one does not happen to be a stand up comedian who can relocate to the Gaeltacht for a year and make a successful TV show- in the name of the fada. What one can do is make a few simple and subtle changes in ones lifestyle.

Firstly, everyone knows a few words, so why not substitute ‘siopa’ for shop, ‘bainne’ for milk and everything else one remembers from school days. As they say in Irish, ‘bionn blas ar an mbeagan’ –a little tastes well.

Secondly one can take a step to increase one’s vocabulary. On the daytime commute why not tune in to Radio na Gaeltachta. The news bulletins may sound depressing but at least one can take comfort in the fact that ones Irish has improved- even if the economic climate has not. With a wide and varied output TG4 has had a positive impact on promoting the language especially amongst teenagers. Since it first went on air in 1996 it has gained a reputation for innovative programming in film, arts, drama, documentaries and sports has something for everyone from soaps to exceptional documentaries.

Thirdly there are also a number of options if one wants to brush up on ones written word. Weekly news is offered in the newspaper FOINSE. In addition a number of websites host interviews and feature pieces in our native tongue.

Fourthly if one wants to achieve full fluency, one can take the plunge and join an Irish language class. Conradh na Gaelige run classes for beginners, intermediate and advance levels all around the country. The organisation also arranges social evenings and events.

Young enthusiastic presenters like Daithi O Se, Sile Seoige and Hector O hEochagain along with programmes like Ros na Run have shown that Irish can be relevant in the Celtic Tiger.

As well as being a celebration of the Irish Language, Seachtain na Gaeilge which ends on the 17th of March is a reminder that we can all add to our cupla focal. Remember the words famously spoken from the man from Moneygall ‘yes we can’ and lets reply with a resounding Sea is feidir linn for 2011.

Speak Easy Toastmasters will hold their next meeting at the Hibernian Hotel, Mallow, March 10th 2011 at 7:50PM. Non-members are more than welcome to attend and will not be asked to speak. Further details about the Club are available on our website, www.speakeasytoastmasters.com or why not become a Speak Easy Toastmaster Facebook.

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