I am writing this post in response to a recent comment from Patrick James and at the risk of being insensitive. Patrick in an article discussing “In the name of the fada” raises a valid point regarding our personal histories and how they affect our links to our Irish heritage. It’s no secret that I am perplexed by the abandonment of the mother tongue by so many Irish people. The article goes on to explain that his school experience alienated him from his willingness to talk Irish – an experience that is mirrored by many Irish people. The school system of the past has a lot to answer for in, its dealings with its responsibility to the teaching of Irish. I don’t believe we need to go over old ground but we do need to be conscious of it, in order to avoid the same mistakes. Irish in schools, as well as being educational needs to be functional, but more importantly, relevant and enjoyable. It’s easier to build a pride in our language than repair a shame of it.
April 20, 2008 at 1:54 pm
“It’s no secret that I am perplexed by the abandonment of the mother tongue by so many Irish people.”
Ni amháin nach bhfuil an chuid is mó de na daoine san tír seo ábalta an teanga a labhairt ach níl fhíos acu cén fath go bhfúil náire orthú faoi. Ní raibh na muinteorí go maith, ach níl an faibh cheanna againn le maitimatic na Francís. Tá faibh níos bunúsach i gcéist leis ár feiniúlacht, ba íad ár sínsear fhein a rogha an Béarla agus an chultúr Sasnaigh- Bia agus Béarla nó Gorta agus Gaeilge…