🚀 go-pugleaf

In reply to jody@inuxd.UUCP, respess@ut-ngp.UUCP


   The Irish Language ( Gaeilge ) IS alive and well and spoken by a small
   but vocal minority of the people of Ireland ( in all 32 Counties ! ) 
   and not just by the "peasants" and "sophisticates" alluded to by John
   Respess. It is the native tongue of many in the West ( principally
   Galway ), South ( Cork & Kerry ) and North ( Donegal ) and most of
   the population have at least a smattering of the language. 
   
   The supression of the language before the foundation of the "Free State"
   has been somewhat reversed by positive efforts on behalf of the country's
   government eg.

      o  Irish is the country's "first language" with all official documents,
	 signposts etc. being produced in both languages. It is however
	 an unfortunate reflection on the country's history that most
	 official meetings of legal and governmental bodies are held in 
	 English.
   
      o  It is a compulsary curriculum subject in most schools in the 
	 Republic of Ireland. 

      o  Native speakers have their own radio station ( Radio na nGaeltachta )
	 and programmes on the national television & radio network, RTE 
	 ( Radio Telefis Eireann ). 
	 
      o  The country's Industrial Development Authority encourages investment 
	 in these Gaeltacht areas. 

      etc. 

   Learning some of the language before comming to the Ireland is by no means
   essential, but it is useful for a complete appreciation of our culture.
   
   We look forward to seeing you - Cead Mile Failte !!



Seosamh Mac Cuinneagain.

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