The new hope for the Irish language: Northern Irish Protestants!

[seabhac siulach]

An interesting article in the Newsletter (of all places) about a new book 'Towards Inclusion' by Ian Malcolm:

"Focusing on the attitudes of young Protestants who have had little or no exposure to the language, his research produced surprising results.

The majority of the 142 questioned expressed disappointment at not having had the option to learn the language at school. A further finding was that the younger children - aged 16 to 18 - were much more positive about having the option to study the language."

This must be the most positive news the Irish language has received for decades...and is a revelation considering how Provo Sinn Fein has managed to politicise all aspects of the Irish language, e.g., cynically making the language another weapon in their struggle. They have done the language much harm and should realise it.

As Malcolm puts it: “It is just a language - you can curse the Pope in Irish just as easily as you can curse the Queen in English” If only Provo Sinn Fein had remembered that and left the language alone...it does not and has never belonged to one political viewpoint (nor can it, being only a language).

With the surprising information coming from Malcolm's book, can we soon expect some movement on the Irish Language Act in Stormont and maybe Peter Robinson and Martin McGuinness exchanging the cupla focal?

[factual]

I think it is great to see six county protestants and unionists taking an interest in the language. This aticle states that one can hold whatever political view one wants and still enjoy and value Irish and that attitude surely deserves praise.

[Lord Deputy of Listowel]

If the Ulster people were to embrace the Irish language (pigs may fly), would it not alienate them further from the by now Anglicized English speaking citizens of the ROI who in my experience are utterly indifferent to its revival.

[the_moss]

If the Ulster people were to embrace the Irish language (pigs may fly), would it not alienate them further from the by now Anglicized English speaking citizens of the ROI who in my experience are utterly indifferent to its revival.

Many areas in Ulster embrace the Irish language. You should visit Donegal or the Falls road sometime and witness it for yourself.

[Lord Deputy of Listowel]

Many areas in Ulster embrace the Irish language. You should visit Donegal or the Falls road sometime and witness it for yourself.

As a southerner (as some people refer to us) I would be loath to venture up there, because of the obvious dangers.

It's interesting that there's interest in the language nevertheless in that neck of the woods.

[the_moss]

As a southerner (as some people refer to us) I would be loath to venture up there, because of the obvious dangers.

It's interesting that there's interest in the language nevertheless in that neck of the woods.

What obvious dangers ?

Which neck of the woods are you refering to ? Donegal or the Falls road ? You are aware they are both in Ulster aren't you ?

[Lord Deputy of Listowel]

I'm aware of the geography, but even if I were to confine my visit to Donegal which is in the ROI, I would still be nervous.

"What obvious dangers"
You've still got problems up there, don't like being attacked and beaten to death as some unfortunate recently was. If they are capable of treating their own is such a manner, what would they do to a stranger.

Anyway this is off topic, let's get back to the subject of the thread.

[the_moss]

The subject of the thread is to attack PSF. Not worthy of a respose from me tbh. Knock yourself out though if you're feeling brave enough.

[Lord Deputy of Listowel]

The subject of the thread is to attack PSF. Not worthy of a respose from me tbh. Knock yourself out though if you're feeling brave enough.

The language issue ought not to be mixed up with politics, it's a cultural issue.
Those who use and mistreat the language in this way are not doing it any favors.

[Anamnua]

As a southerner (as some people refer to us) I would be loath to venture up there,

This probably explains the quality of many of your postings on the subject of N.I..