100 Years after the Easter Rising – how will Brexit impact Irish?
August 19, 2016
Conradh na Gaeilge is commemorating the Easter Rising is a very special way this year with Plé 16, a series of seminars and debates examining the role of the language revival movement and of the Irish language in the lives of the leaders of the Rising, as well as in modern life. On the 20th of August 2016, Plé 16 will come to Derry for a special day conference in Cultúrlann Uí Chanáinn to explore questions of language rights, both past and present.
The impact on minority languages as a result of the recent referendum on the United Kingdom’s EU membership is certain to be part of the discussion on the day, and it is for this reason that Conradh na Gaeilge has invited experts with a specialist knowledge of current conditions in the various jurisdictions in these islands to speak in Derry.
The conference will begin at 11.00am with a special lecture by the writer and philosopher Tomás Mac Síomóin, which will focus on the role of the Irish language revival in the decolonisation process. Tomás currently lives in Catalonia, which gives him a unique perspective on cultural, political, and social issues. Mac Síomóin has also written frequently on the question of the Irish language, especially as regards the close connections between the Irish-language movement and the Easter Rising.
In the second half of the conference, Meri Huws, the Welsh Language Commissioner; Rónán Ó Domhnaill, the Irish Language Commissioner; Diarmaid Ua Bruadair, Principal of Gaelcholáiste Doire; and the Belfast-based solicitor Mícheál Ó Flannagáin will discuss the current state of minority language rights north and south, in the United Kingdom, and in the European Union. Cóilín Ó Cearbhaill, the President of Conradh na Gaeilge, will chair the seminar, which will be open to the public free of charge. A simultaneous translation service will also be available. More information on the event can be found on Conradh na Gaeilge’s social media channels, their website www.cnag.ie, or by emailing them at 1916@cnag.ie.
Time: Saturday 20th August, 11.00am
Place: Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin, 37 Great James Street, Derry BT48 7DF
Theme: Language Rights, Yesterday and Today
Speakers: Meri Huws, Rónán Ó Domhnaill, Tomás Mac Síomóin, Mícheál Ó Flannagáin, Diarmaid Ua Bruadair
Free admission. Simultaneous translation service available.
Further Information: 1916@cnag.ie | 0035314757401
