Irish language under threat
Márta 10, 2014
Sir, – As happens every year or so, the proxy debate over the Irish language rages between those who are “for” it and those “against” it.
I say proxy, because the debate is ostensibly between different theories or value judgments about culture or about one sentiment or another in the letter writers. But only ostensibly. The real issue is not about those different judgments or sentiments of one person or another. It is about the degree to which the judgments and sentiments of one group in society is imposed on another group through the exercise of State power in the education system. The whole debate could disappear by the simple action of making Irish a subject of choice in the Leaving Certificate. Then each contesting group could follow their own judgment and sentiment without having to persuade any other group of their infallibility and without having to take exceptional measures to impose their will on others. – Yours, etc,
DONAL FLYNN
Breffni Terrace,
Sandycove, Co Dublin.
A chara, – While Jason Fitzharris (March 5th) may be correct as to the proportion of census forms filled out in Irish, we must ask why the figure is so low. One valid reason is that the choice is not presented to the participant on the spot, suggesting that they are not available. I had to specially request my form. More hassle to me and to the collectors. If, as in Canada, we had an “active offer” of either language giving citizens a real choice, there would be higher uptake. – Is mise,
MAITIÚ de HÁL,
Páirc na Canálach Ríoga,
Baile an Ásaigh,
Baile Átha Cliath 15.
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