LL-L "Language policies" 2003.11.12 (03) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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L O W L A N D S - L * 12.NOV.2003 (03) * ISSN 189-5582 * LCSN 96-4226
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From: Críostóir Ó Ciardha <paada_please at yahoo.co.uk>
Subject: LL-L "Language policies" 2003.11.11 (05) [E]


Roger,

Contrary to popular belief it is highly difficult - nigh impossible - to
obtain copies of legislation in Irish. Although Irish is constitutionally
the first and national language of Ireland, politicians have long since
ceased to pay even so much as lip service to it and to all intents and
purposes English is the only official language of Ireland (aside from
bilingual signage in which the Irish version is relegated to a subordinate
position). As far as I am aware this is the only example of a country in
which the first official language suffers a subservient position to the
second official language in almost all spheres.

Ireland sorely needs an Irish Language Act similar to the Welsh Language Act
in Wales, if only to reaffirm the working - rather than constitutional -
equality between the two tongues.

In fact, I am surprised that no Irish citizen has ever taken the state's
woeful and illegal contempt toward the Irish language to the Four Courts in
Dublin.

Criostóir.

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