Gaeilge is far more than a school subject that students should be trying to get out of studying. Being able to communicate through Irish is important. It opens doors to enjoy the richness and beauty of Irish culture, music and literature. It is essential for understanding our vast heritage and cultural identity. You don’t have to have been born in Ireland to benefit personally, socially and psychologically from knowing the Irish language. Speaking different languages is also good for overall personal development, boosting transversal skills such as problem-solving and collaboration, as well as tolerance, empathy and resilience. Once you can communicate well in any language, you feel part of that community and culture. Why don’t we understand, value and appreciate this when it comes to the Irish language?
As a language teacher, associate and guidance counsellor with more than 25 years of experience in the classroom, it always makes me so sad to hear young people talk about how much they dislike the Irish language. Having taught languages in a range of schools in Ireland, Spain and Italy, I am always struck by the many negative attitudes to learning Irish. You frequently hear students talk about how hard it is and how they wish it wasn’t an obligatory subject. All subjects are challenging, and no one is easier than any other. Liking the Irish language to begin with is guaranteed to make the learning experience a whole lot more enjoyable.
Irish is a central part of our cultural heritage, whether or not we were born in Ireland. By living in Ireland, we become part of Ireland, and that includes its language and culture. Gaeilge is a unique and beautiful language which is definitely worth the time and effort it takes to learn it. When a child starts to learn Irish in junior infants and continues until junior cycle, they have 11 years of exposure to the language. During this time, they should be encouraged and supported to develop a love of the language. By age 15 they should be able to communicate quite well through Gaeilge and see the value in it. However, the reality is that they often can’t speak much and this is a real shame. The reasons for this are not well understood but several factors deserve our attention.
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Firstly, Irish needs to be treated as a real and vibrant living language in primary schools so that children experience its immense value and importance from the beginning of their learning journey. Secondly, Irish needs to be used regularly throughout the day in all schools, making it explicit to everyone that Irish is an integral part of our cultural heritage and identity. Thirdly, to reflect modern life in Ireland, we should be moving closer to models of bilingualism and multilingualism in our schools. As recently highlighted, the number of students being granted an exemption from the study of Irish is increasing. This is worrying as more “exceptional circumstances” are leaving fewer students in Leaving Cert Irish classes.
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In 2021, Unesco described the Irish language as “definitely endangered” having between 20,000 and 40,000 Irish speakers in the world. It is interesting that the last census which included a question on Irish language ability showed most confidence in speaking Irish between the ages of 15 and 19, when it must be taken as a Leaving Certificate subject if there is no language exemption. After the age of 20, unless a grá for Gaeilge has been cultivated, Irish language ability seems to begin a tragic, slow and steady decline.
There is a need for urgent action. We need to ensure that learning the Irish language is promoted and valued. Lessons must be active, engaging and fun instead of pure drudgery. Life is not just about getting ahead in the Leaving Cert points race. We are doing our young people a huge disservice if we are not actively promoting linguistic skills and competencies.
Maybe we could take a few tips from Wales where the Welsh language is currently on the increase. Interestingly, the Welsh actively protect and promote the Welsh language in schools, public service and the media. Welsh enjoys a high status and prestige. It is valued and people want to learn it as they see it as essential for daily life.
The Irish language could be like this too if we had a clear vision and implementation plan for the promotion and preservation of the language. In light of the ever-increasing numbers seeking language exemptions and the long list of “exceptional circumstances”, it is time to look at our attitudes.
Perhaps, not treating the Irish language merely as a subject learned grudgingly for CAO points, would be helpful. If I have a specific learning difficulty, many subjects will be challenging so why is Irish seen as the soft touch? What about actually valuing and appreciating the Irish language, and striving to promote and preserve it? Better still, why not award 20 bonus points for a H6 or above in Leaving Cert Gaeilge? That would surely ignite a change in attitude and a renewed interest and grá for the language?
Valerie Fitzpatrick is a teacher and guidance counsellor
