Moving the Minority Language beyond the MinorityMoving the Minority Language beyond the Minority

© An Dr Ciarán Dawson Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh

An Indo-European LanguageAn Indo-European Language

About 7000 BC in Ukraine

An GhaeltachtAn Ghaeltacht

1841 8,100,000 4,100,000

1901 4,458,775 619,710

2001 (north) 1,617,957 75,1252002 (south 4,057,646 1,656,790Total 5,675,603 1,731,915

1841 8,100,000 4,100,000

1901 4,458,775 619,710

2001 (north) 1,617,957 75,1252002 (south 4,057,646 1,656,790Total 5,675,603 1,731,915

Number of Speakers: IrelandNumber of Speakers: Ireland

Population Irish SpeakersPopulation Irish Speakers

In the Census of 2000 25,870 people said they use Irish at home.In the Census of 2000 25,870 people said they use Irish at home.

Number of Speakers: United StatesNumber of Speakers: United States

Legal and Constitutional StatusLegal and Constitutional StatusSouthSouthArticle 81. The Irish language as the national language is the

first official language.

2. The English language is recognised as a second official language.

3. Provision may, however, be made by law for the exclusive use of either of the said languages for any one or more official purposes, either throughout the State or in any part thereof.

Article 81. The Irish language as the national language is the

first official language.

2. The English language is recognised as a second official language.

3. Provision may, however, be made by law for the exclusive use of either of the said languages for any one or more official purposes, either throughout the State or in any part thereof.

NorthNorth1. St Andrews Agreement: the British government has

agreed to introduce an Irish language Bill which could see Irish becoming an official language.

1. St Andrews Agreement: the British government has agreed to introduce an Irish language Bill which could see Irish becoming an official language.

EuropeEurope

1st January 2007: Irish was recognised as an official language of the European Union.

All legislation and documents of major public importance or interest are now produced in Irish.

1st January 2007: Irish was recognised as an official language of the European Union.

All legislation and documents of major public importance or interest are now produced in Irish.

EducationEducation

SouthSouth

NorthNorth

The MediaThe Media

10.000 Readers

Publishes Daily on World Wide Web

Daily Podcasts

Foinse: 7.000 readers.Foinse: 7.000 readers.

Broadcasts Nationally on FM.Has recently begun to broadcast on Internet.Broadcasts 24 hrs a day.

Broadcasts Nationally on FM.Has recently begun to broadcast on Internet.Broadcasts 24 hrs a day.

20.000 daily in Dublin alone.Broadcasts on Internet.20.000 daily in Dublin alone.Broadcasts on Internet.

RTÉRTÉA selection of Programmes on Television and Radio.A selection of Programmes on Television and Radio.

BBC Northern IrelandBBC Northern Ireland30 minutes radio every weekday30 minutes radio every weekday

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaThe Centre for Oral Irish

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaThe Centre for Oral Irish

University College CorkUniversity College Cork

10 Full-time Permanent Staff10 Full-time Permanent Staff

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha

An GhaeltachtAn Ghaeltacht

1 Fulltime Permanent Staff&1 Part-time Permanent Staff

1 Fulltime Permanent Staff&1 Part-time Permanent Staff

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha

2005 - 20062005 - 2006

1289 learners1289 learners

ClassesClasses

Learning SupportLearning Support

An GhaeltachtAn Ghaeltacht

SchemesSchemes

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge LabharthaNon-Irish LearnersNon-Irish Learners

GA1120/1GA1120/1

Evening ClassesEvening Classes

La Universidad de La CoruñaLa Universidad de La Coruña

Ruhr-Universität BochumRuhr-Universität Bochum

KrakowKrakow

MX1004MX1004

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha

La Universidad de La CoruñaLa Universidad de La Coruña

5 Credit Module in Taught PhD Programme in Irish Studies5 Credit Module in Taught PhD Programme in Irish Studies

2006 152006 15

2007 52007 5

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge LabharthaRuhr-Universität BochumRuhr-Universität Bochum

5 Credit Module in Der Optional Bereich5 Credit Module in Der Optional Bereich

2000 602000 60

2001 752001 75

2002 602002 60

2003 652003 65

2004 502004 50

2005 1502005 150

2006 132006 13

2000-7 5612000-7 561

2007 882007 88

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha

KrakowKrakow

2007 122007 12

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha

Evening ClassEvening Class

2002 - 72002 - 7 Buntosnaitheoirí 1Buntosnaitheoirí 1

20 students two nights a week20 students two nights a week

Buntosnaitheoirí 2Buntosnaitheoirí 2

15-20 students one night a week15-20 students one night a week

2003 - 72003 - 7

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge LabharthaGA1120GA1120

2000/1 1602000/1 160

2001/2 1582001/2 158

2002/3 1972002/3 197

2003/4 1572003/4 157

2004/5 2452004/5 245

2005/6 2702005/6 270

2006/7 2962006/7 296

2000-7 14832000-7 1483

Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha

MX 1004MX 1004

2006/7 82006/7 8

The SurveyThe Survey

Focused on Teaching AbroadFocused on Teaching Abroad

How do learners become aware of Irish?How do learners become aware of Irish?

Why do learners want to learn Irish?Why do learners want to learn Irish?

What are their expectations of Irish?What are their expectations of Irish?

How did you hear about Irish?How did you hear about Irish?

Music 4Music 4

Education 4Education 4

Media 3Media 3

Bilingual Signage 2Bilingual Signage 2

From a Friend 2From a Friend 2

Literature 5Literature 5

Irish was always mentioned related to Galician … I remember that I studied the status of Irish in Ireland, concerning TV, radio, institutions and other details at high school.

Irish was always mentioned related to Galician … I remember that I studied the status of Irish in Ireland, concerning TV, radio, institutions and other details at high school.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

I think it was when I started to be interested in Celtic culture and I heard some Irish songs performed by “Clannad”.

I think it was when I started to be interested in Celtic culture and I heard some Irish songs performed by “Clannad”.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

I don’t remember but probably it was connected with listening to folk and Celtic music.

I don’t remember but probably it was connected with listening to folk and Celtic music.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

About Irish classes at the university I was informed by my friend.About Irish classes at the university I was informed by my friend.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

In reading German renderings of Irish Fairy Tales.In reading German renderings of Irish Fairy Tales.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

In a book I read about Celtic Stories.In a book I read about Celtic Stories.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

I’m interested in music… Furthermore Irish culture is very very popular in Germany.I’m interested in music… Furthermore Irish culture is very very popular in Germany.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

television, internet etctelevision, internet etc

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

In a song. (I guess it was sung by Enya or someone…)In a song. (I guess it was sung by Enya or someone…)

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

The Three Investigators, my favourite stories as a child (10) have workers from Ireland who speak Irish with each other.

The Three Investigators, my favourite stories as a child (10) have workers from Ireland who speak Irish with each other.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

Roadsign in a pub.Roadsign in a pub.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

When I became interested in sci-fi literature.When I became interested in sci-fi literature.

How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

Unique nature of Irish 5Unique nature of Irish 5

Interest in Languages 4Interest in Languages 4

Liked the sound of Irish 4Liked the sound of Irish 4

Part of Education 3Part of Education 3

Access to Literature 3Access to Literature 3

Celtic Culture 12Celtic Culture 12

Connection with other minority languages 1Connection with other minority languages 1

Just ‘Hooked’ on it 1Just ‘Hooked’ on it 1

I am studying a PhD on Irish Studies, so I think it is important to know the language of Ireland.

I am studying a PhD on Irish Studies, so I think it is important to know the language of Ireland.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I like the sound of Irish so I was more encouraged to learn it.I like the sound of Irish so I was more encouraged to learn it.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

The status of that language reminds me in many senses to that of the Galician language.

The status of that language reminds me in many senses to that of the Galician language.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I wanted to learn a language that some might consider “unnecessary”.I wanted to learn a language that some might consider “unnecessary”.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

Because I felt in love with Irish culture and I like learning anything which is connected with it.

Because I felt in love with Irish culture and I like learning anything which is connected with it.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

Because of the very unique sound of this language - it is beautiful and exotic for me.

Because of the very unique sound of this language - it is beautiful and exotic for me.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I’m fascinated by the Irish culture and I believe that its easier to understand the nation’s culture when one knows its history and language.

I’m fascinated by the Irish culture and I believe that its easier to understand the nation’s culture when one knows its history and language.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

It is something special - usually people know English, German, French or Spanish.

It is something special - usually people know English, German, French or Spanish.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

Knowing a little bit of Irish I’ll know something more about Irish culture.Knowing a little bit of Irish I’ll know something more about Irish culture.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I love the way the language sounds in poetry and songs.I love the way the language sounds in poetry and songs.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

It is a wonderful and peculiar language remote from my field of classical languages.

It is a wonderful and peculiar language remote from my field of classical languages.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I am interested in the culture and history of the country.I am interested in the culture and history of the country.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

My plan is to become a teacher of English and Geography. Therefore Irish and the Irish culture are excellent additions.

My plan is to become a teacher of English and Geography. Therefore Irish and the Irish culture are excellent additions.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

Because of the Celtic origin (instead of Roman or Germanic)Because of the Celtic origin (instead of Roman or Germanic)

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

Out of a general interest in Ireland and its culture, oringinally stirred by the poetry of Yeats, more practically out of a desire to study in Ireland for a period of time.

Out of a general interest in Ireland and its culture, oringinally stirred by the poetry of Yeats, more practically out of a desire to study in Ireland for a period of time.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I am interested in Ireland’s history and culture, especially theatre, poets playwrights.

I am interested in Ireland’s history and culture, especially theatre, poets playwrights.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I like languages but only when it seems to be extraordinary.I like languages but only when it seems to be extraordinary.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

I got hooked (after I got over the slender/broad thing the books for learners seem to use to keep people away).

I got hooked (after I got over the slender/broad thing the books for learners seem to use to keep people away).

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

In my opinion we should learn not only the most popular ones but also others - to protect them against disappearing.

In my opinion we should learn not only the most popular ones but also others - to protect them against disappearing.

Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?

What level of Irish would you be satisfied with?1 = basic level5 = native speaker level

What level of Irish would you be satisfied with?1 = basic level5 = native speaker level

1 - 2 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum (1)1 - 2 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum (1)

2 - 0 Coruña () Krakow () Bochum ()2 - 0 Coruña () Krakow () Bochum ()

3 - 11 Coruña (2) Krakow (3) Bochum (6)3 - 11 Coruña (2) Krakow (3) Bochum (6)

4 - 4 Coruña (1) Krakow (2) Bochum (2)4 - 4 Coruña (1) Krakow (2) Bochum (2)

5 - 1 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum ()5 - 1 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum ()

ImplicationsImplicationsFor promotion of languageFor promotion of language

Perception abroad of Irish as integral to understanding Ireland, its culture and its literature.Perception abroad of Irish as integral to understanding Ireland, its culture and its literature.

Others are attracted to Irish because of its perception as being on the outer limits.Others are attracted to Irish because of its perception as being on the outer limits.

Others like the sound of Irish and are attracted to its music and poetry.Others like the sound of Irish and are attracted to its music and poetry.

Users of other minority languages find common cause with Irish.Users of other minority languages find common cause with Irish.

For the teaching of IrishFor the teaching of Irish

While Irish people generally aim to reach native-speaker or near native-speaker level with Irish, people from abroad are generally satisfied to become average users of the language.

While Irish people generally aim to reach native-speaker or near native-speaker level with Irish, people from abroad are generally satisfied to become average users of the language.

ImplicationsImplications

While there is an obvious need to cater for the nature of the demand, it is also necessary to create the conditions in which learners will be motivated to aspire to the highest level of language skills.

While there is an obvious need to cater for the nature of the demand, it is also necessary to create the conditions in which learners will be motivated to aspire to the highest level of language skills.

What are the particular challenges learning Irish poses to speakers of languages other than English.What are the particular challenges learning Irish poses to speakers of languages other than English.

Further ResearchFurther Research

What is the experience of other Minority Languages in this area?What is the experience of other Minority Languages in this area?

How much of a motivating factor can this interest from abroad be for Irish people to learn their own language?How much of a motivating factor can this interest from abroad be for Irish people to learn their own language?