AN GHAEILGE (Irish Language)

Whilst, seeking to strengthen the Gaeltachtaí, we need an effective promotion of bilingualism in the wider community through measures to support, encourage and further the use and visibility of the language. I am also deeply concerned about the quality of bilingual placename and street-name signage erected by local authorities. Given that over 90% of our placenames in Ireland are of Gaelic origin, though sometimes disguised by Anglicisation, this placename heritage is a potent reminder of the position our national language once had throughout this island. However, our placename heritage is in danger from mistranslations and official neglect. In a recent frontpage article published in "Ireland's Genealogical Gazette" I raised the issue of the mistranslations and quasi-translations of our placenames by the designers of street and national road signage. Many County and City Councillors contacted me on this important issue and some, including Cllr. David O'Connor (Fingal), Cllr. Killian Forde (Dublin City) and Cllr. Cáit Keane (South Dublin) proffered very interesting and viable initiatives to tackle this issue at Local Authority level. I have drafted a County Placenames Policy document (see link below) for the County of Dún Laoghaire Rathdown which I will present at the September 2007 meeting of the Strategic Policy Committee on Culture, Community Development and Amenities. The issue of bilingual signage is a significant part of the proposed policy. A high visibility for An Ghaeilge on placename and street-name signage is vitally important as the quality of such signage publicly expresses the value we place on our linguistic heritage. This visibility is an important factor in the maintenance of a high level of goodwill amongst our population towards An Ghaeilge, especially in an Ireland much changed over the past decade or so. I strongly support the Gaelscoileanna movement throughout the country as parents, often with great difficulty, provide an Irish medium education for their children. Recently, I published a lengthy article in the Journal of the Genealogical Society of Ireland on Yn Ghaelg (Manx Gaelic) and the efforts by parents on the Isle of Man to provide a Manx medium education for their children at the Bunscoil Ghaelgagh and through kindergarten groups - Moinjer Veggey. Clearly, in this fast moving modern world of ours, we still value our heritage, especially An Ghaeilge, and want to ensure that future generations will inherit a living language. I strongly advocate a greater visibility for the language and the planning for a sustainable bilingualism in Ireland.

(pictured above, a fine example of bilingual signage in Scotland)

To read the article on the Isle of Man or the Proposal for a County Placenames Policy for Dún Laoghaire Rathdown just scroll down to "LINKS TO ARTICLES & FURTHER INFORMATION" at the foot of this Blog.