Irish language

Irish (An Ghaeilge), also known as Irish Gaelic or simply Gaelic particularly outside of Ireland, is a Celtic language of the Indo-European language family. It is a member of the Goidelic languages of the Insular Celtic sub branch of the family and is indigenous to the island of Ireland. It was the majority of the population's first language until the 19th century, when English gradually became dominant, particularly in the last decades of the century, in what is sometimes characterised as a result of linguistic imperialism. Since the 1990's in particular there have been a number of significant developments to try to boost the language including: the launch of 2 Irish-language television channels - TG4 and Cúla4; the growth of Gaelscoileanna (Irish-language medium schools); the enactment of the Official Languages Act 2003; and Irish is now an official language of the EU. There have been other developments with the language through the years with more planned for the future.

Quotes

• Tá léarscáileanna sa teanga dhúchais ar fáil i ngach tír a bhfuil féinmheas acu orthu féin.
  • Translation: Every self-respecting country has their own language on their maps.
  • Pádraig Ó Cuanacháin, Gael-Taca - Quoted in English in The Sunday Times (Ireland) in 2005. [1]

• An t-aon fhadhb atá agamsa ná easpa tuisceanna i measc na heagraíochtaí Gaeilge mar gheall ar thábhacht cúrsaí margaíochta.
  • Translation: The only problem I have is the lack of understanding among the Irish-language organisations regarding the importance of marketing.
  • Pádraig Ó Cuanacháin, Gael-Taca - Speaking on RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta in 2007[2].