Supporting the language
December 3, 2012
Two points of view are possible regarding the state of Irish: you can talk about the revival of Irish or about the development of Irish. I prefer to talk about the development of Irish. Huge progress has been made with regard to the learning of Irish: schools have access to excellent teaching resources, like the materials produced by the Áisaonad in St. Mary’s University College in Belfast.
There are courses for adults, based on research, which are interesting, lively and modern. Unfortunately there is no course yet that does the whole job within two covers: you often have to go from one book to another to get an exact explanation. But there is a solution: I have been very busy recently: give me a couple of months. And, of course, we have the Internet. It helps the learner at every level.
I mention Internet resources frequently. And today I would like to point out a very worthwhile site: gaelport.com.
There is a wide range of material on the site. You get the latest news about the world of Irish- social and cultural events, Irish courses at home and abroad, Irish in the educational system, Irish in the state system, and Irish in everyday life. In ‘As na Nuachtáin’(From the Newspapers), you get news items in Irish and English concerning Irish- including material from the Derry Journal which is up there with the Irish Times, the Irish Independent, Foinse, Gaelscéal etc.! Vacancies for Irish speakers are published on the site also.
The site belongs to Comhdháil Náisiúnta na Gaeilge and it is being developed continuously. The Comhdháil has an important role in the development of the language (not in the revival!). It is responsible for the ‘Fáinne’ scheme. It keeps a close watch on language rights and on the status of Irish. The organisation is not afraid to speak out.
In a pre-budget statement the Comhdháil ask the government to give consideration to questions concerning Irish and to support the Irish language and the Gaeltacht.
‘We demand that suitable resources should be made available in 2013 to build on the fine work being carried out by the voluntary sector for so long. We are not opposed to change, but it must be proven that any changes that are recommended will benefit Irish.’
www.derryjournal.com
Published 30 November 2012
