Irish language is core of our culture
October 14, 2013
Madam — As an ardent fan of Gay Byrne as a constant promoter of the sociable ‘cúpla focal’ I was amazed at his ‘Ochón! Ochón!’ attitude to the Irish language ( Sunday Independent, October 6, 2013).
Declan Lynch seemed amazed also at how “Un-Irish he (Gay) has been in many ways” and having read the entire article, I must say I sure did not feel very upbeat, or inclined to utter maith an buachaill, Gaybo! There are a lot of aspects to the Irish language movement that I ignore, but I applaud the many conversation groups who meet to chat and relish the chance to revive and preserve our native tongue, it’s the core of our Irish culture and at the heart of our traditional values.
Yes I have encountered the Gaeilgeoir in the extreme, bail ó Dhia air, I respect him and move on. As a written and spoken language, Gaeilge is one of the richest, floweriest canúint — the likes of its humorous, richly descriptive characteristics and witty proverbs are not to be found in any other language. May I suggest a translation of your book Gaybo, which would be entitled “Brí na Beatha” and all my cáirde-le-chéile in our friendly ciorcal chómhrá could enjoy a pleasant read and a chat over the cupán tae!
Eilís Uí Bhriain, Caisleán Uí Liatháin, Co Chorcaí
www.independent.ie
Published on Gaelport.com 14 October 2013
Sunday Independent – Litir chuig an Eagarthóir
