LL-L "Language varieties" 2005.06.01 (03) [E]

[Lowlands-L]

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A=Afrikaans Ap=Appalachian B=Brabantish D=Dutch E=English F=Frisian
L=Limburgish LS=Lowlands Saxon (Low German) N=Northumbrian
S=Scots Sh=Shetlandic V=(West)Flemish Z=Zeelandic (Zeêuws)
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From: embryomystic at cogeco.ca <embryomystic at cogeco.ca>
Subject: LL-L "Language varieties" 2005.05.23 (03) [D/E]

Scr~{(*~}obh Cr~{(*~}ost~{(.~}ir:

> Then you will be as despondent as I am about a thread
> that has been running through the letters page of the
> Irish Times for the last fortnight or so. Apparently,
> some of its readers find Irish a bit too difficult and
> have suggested that the language be simplified for them -
> so no eclipsis or lenition and a cut back on the
> declensions (there are only three, so I don't know how
> they want to cut back)! So far most correspondents have
> (unbelievably) agreed, and only one that I have read has
> pointed out that these features perform necessary
> functions in the language. What madness that the debate
> should even be being had. I think that says more about
> linguistic attitudes in modern Ireland than I ever could.

That sounds similar to what the good folks at An Teanga Nua (
http://www.celtichosting.com/teanganua/ ) have to say.
It's complete nonsense. Irish is (aside from the mutations, perhaps)
stunningly simple. Noun declension takes some memorisation, the gender
system is difficult for English-speakers (but no moreso than French or
Spanish), and the broad-slender thing is a little tricky. Other than that,
it's cake. As languages go, anyway.

Isaac M. Davis

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