Originally Posted by
annabel taylor
I speak irish my younger neighbours I'd a terrific teacher at school history and when he was teaching us about the irish revival how irish became sexy I wish we could have that how many Europeans speak there native tongue plus english been bi lingual as a child is awesome
I just find it all very sad I will make sure no matter where I am my children will speak irish know there culture
The same process has long been ongoing around the world and in recent times is still ongoing even in Europe. In 1750 only half the people in what is now France spoke French, the rest spoke Alsation German, Provencal, Breton or Basque. The French rather successfully, in their nation state building have eclipsed these languages.
In Spain the Castilians have long been determined to impose their language. Catalonian nationalism is however maintaining /reviving Catalan. The most ancient language of Europe, Basque is holding on but only just.
The irresistible force of English is meeting the very movable object of the Irish language. In time to come it is likely the last everyday users of Irish will be people who use it as a learned language, a '' hobby''.
Lack of economic opportunity in the Western seaboard, where most Gaeltacht areas are located, will probably continue to drain young people from these places, with their children subsequently growing up as non speakers.
The story of the last 170 years. Anyway an interesting post and if we are ever so fortunate as to trade insults again, I shall do so '' as Gaeilge''.
Unfortunately, someone speaking English as a second language will probably remove such posts.
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Shalom/salaam.
10,000 years of Middle Eastern civilisation and the place is not at peace but rather in pieces.