tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802872038675042201.post87132038943519807..comments2023-11-02T01:16:01.158-07:00Comments on Fiche Focal ...: The Death of the Irish Language IITomaltachhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06472288290882778889noreply@blogger.comBlogger4125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802872038675042201.post-18943872052387893762007-10-19T08:52:00.000-07:002007-10-19T08:52:00.000-07:00The situation is not that negative. Irish is in de...The situation is not that negative. Irish is in decline in the traditional Gaeltacht areas though is on the increase outside them.<BR/><BR/>Your are correct about the unwillingness of Government and the big players in the language movement to think outside the box but many other speakers and organisations are continously ploughing ahead.<BR/><BR/>One example is BAILE - www.bailegaelach.com - which is currently researching the possibilites of establishing new Irish-speaking communities along the east coast.<BR/><BR/>And a quick look at Bebo will illustrate how vibrant our language is among many young people.Unknownhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14231108504741533849noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802872038675042201.post-18935612547213527802007-10-16T06:20:00.000-07:002007-10-16T06:20:00.000-07:00There are so many directions when one attempts to ...There are so many directions when one attempts to explain the language situation, a bit like the Abbey or the health service. There are so many people doing their jobs, where the job is seen by them as the be all and the end all. But to what point, each and every one of them has their own.<BR/> The Dept na G' is in theory designed to if not provide armystyle direction then a sheep dog roll. But the language is in reality under all of the Depts of State, this is admirable but displays a criminal level of wishful thinking.<BR/>Over the years, I have come near many types of speakers. One behind an acid green door in Galway, another in Bray and another within college at NUI, Galway. Of these the people in UCG, were by far the more forgiving of error. While the others displayed the taunt fluency of a well blown balloon. These people have their position in the system of things, the problem at the moment is that this type seems to run the whole thing. And give the impression that My Language is their exclusive property to preserve as they will.<BR/>Over all there does not seem to be a point, a goal if you will, something that can be measured. And when achieved done, to move on to the next thing.<BR/>It is time to move the Gaeltacht areas to a formal reserve type position. This would slice through much of the county issues. If this required a change in the Constitution, then so be it. But to my mind this may not be needed as Irish is special within the Document.Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09442327549417743472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802872038675042201.post-2949847390920878562007-10-16T02:08:00.000-07:002007-10-16T02:08:00.000-07:00Vince, I agree that the survival of the Gaeltacht,...Vince, I agree that the survival of the Gaeltacht, first, as a spiritual home of the language, but moreover as a reserve of richness, is vital to the survival of the language. Personally, I never would have learned Irish had there not been a Gaeltacht and the beauty and variety of Gaeltacht speech far outstrips that of non-native speakers. <BR/><BR/>The points I'm trying to make are: most of the area called the Gaeltacht is not an Irish speaking community and therefore doesn't deserve any specific state support. And second, that Irish continues to die in the Gaeltacht and therefore the future of the language anywhere is bleak.Tomaltachhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/06472288290882778889noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-802872038675042201.post-18847824867558393972007-10-16T02:00:00.000-07:002007-10-16T02:00:00.000-07:00I agree with much of what you write. The numbers j...I agree with much of what you write. The numbers just do not stack up, when held against the professional and student speakers. And a re-think on the whole thing is required. Here though is on what I disagree. The Gaeltacht are a must, the roll is more important now than in any time in the past. They provide a core, a heart, a center in the real meaning of the word for the many who need the 'ahh Irish' mental picture.Vincehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09442327549417743472noreply@blogger.com