Ireland: Total immersion is critical if Irish is to be rescued

[Francis Hult]

Independent

 

Total immersion is critical if Irish is to be rescued 

 

If you will it, it is no dream. Yes, an Irish- speaking Ireland -- not exclusively Irish speaking, but bilingual -- can re-emerge. It will require a unity of vision and willpower that has been lacking in Irish politics these past few decades. 

 

Over a half century ago, Israel rescued Hebrew from obscurity. It was then a language spoken by a few thousand persons, but it is now flourishing with around five million speakers. Hebrew's revival is proof that Ireland can do the same with Irish.

 

The signs are hopeful. The incoming Taoiseach, for one, wants to see the language flourish. Taking the order of business on behalf of the outgoing Taoiseach, Brian Cowen, Fine Gael leader Enda Kenny and Labour leader Eamonn Gilmore sustained a good quarter-hour of leaders' debate in the Dail in Irish.

 

Full story:

http://www.independent.ie/opinion/analysis/total-immersion-is-critical-if-irish-is-to-be-rescued-1346149.html

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