Sir, –It is a great time of celebration of all things Irish, starting with St Patrick’s Day and then the commemoration of the Easter Rising. We are all encouraged to speak a little Irish to promote it during the week.
I support these efforts to preserve our culture and Irish identity. But what about Irish Sign Language (ISL)?
This is an Irish language indigenous to the deaf community, with a population of 5,000 using ISL on a daily basis.
When you count family, neighbours and workmates that figure can be as high as 40,000 people using ISL. It is not just used now and again, it is essential to the deaf to communicate.
English language and Gaeilge both have official status, but ISL has no official status.
The Irish deaf community has for years been trying to get the government to give us the recognition we deserve. We have been ignored. Every other country recognises the sign language of that country. We are the only EU country that does not give recognition to ISL.
Sign language is different in every country, so let us promote all things Irish but not at the expense of ISL.
We need to be heard. We hear with our eyes and speak with our hands.
I’m proud to be Irish and I’m proud to speak ISL.
– Yours, etc,
MARTINA CUMMINS
Thurles,
Co Tipperary.