Empowering communities through language exposure

The denial of fundamental language rights in the north, fuelled by the trivialization of the Irish language by some, has inspired powerful community-led movements, such as that of An Dream Dearg, which demand equality and better provision for the Irish language for Pobal na Gaeilge here.

This continued resistance however equally has adverse impacts upon those communities who have not been afforded the opportunity to learn or connect with the language before. Whilst the Irish language belongs to everyone and is an integral part of our shared heritage here, hostility towards it, particularly amongst politicians and leading figures of society here, can instigate unfounded, fearful perceptions of the language amongst communities that are unfamiliar with it.

Scaremongering attacks against the Irish language are a key barrier to raising awareness and promoting reconciliation here, with, for example, a recent election campaign claiming that the Irish language is “a weapon to make unionists unwelcome in their own land.” (TUV, 2022)

Raising awareness of Irish through programmes like Ár dTeanga Chomhroinnte (2017-2019) and People and Place (2021-2022) , particularly in the north, provides the space for those communities that are unfamiliar with the language to explore it through key topics of interest such as common place-names, surnames and history within both school and community settings.

With over 2,000 participants this year, and having received funding by the Department of Foreign Affairs Reconciliaton Fund, projects like People and Place are recognised as having sizeable impacts upon communities not only in increasing tolerance and mutual respect for the Irish language here, but also in increasing interest and confidence in learning and using the language.

Samplaí

Ár dTeanga Chomhroinnte (2016-2020) saw the delivery of workshops and activities about the Irish language and its relevance to our daily lives across schools and community groups from Catholic, Protestant and other non-traditional backgrounds. Covering a broad range of topics, this project introduced participants to common surnames and place-names, as well as basic Irish vocabulary.

The feedback received from participants is indicative of the beneficial impact projects like this can have in promoting reconciliation here. In 2018 63% of participants stated that they subsequently felt more comfortable socialising in a shared space they would not traditionally visit having taken part in the workshop, with the majority of participants ages ranging from 46 and over. Similarly in 2016/17, all participants felt that they consequently had a better knowledge and understanding of each other’s community after the workshop. Furthermore, in the 2019/2020 round of Ár dTeanga Chomhroinnte, feedback from school teachers highlighted the demand for projects like this on a more regular basis, and disappointment that this was a one-off workshop.

The success and impact of this programme is also widespreadly seen in other feedback that describes the programme as “inclusive” and which explored “shared culture and language”. By unanimously responding in favour of participating in the workshop again, it is clear that teachers here are open and eager to engage with projects like these which promote mutual respect and understanding in our society today, which provide all communities with access to the Irish language, but which are unfortunately underfunded and thus often limited in their delivery.

People and Place (2021-2022) in turn represents an extension of Ár dTeanga Chomroinnte which focuses primarily on the unique, common and shared heritage of our place-names here in creating an increased sense of mutual understanding, cultural tolerance and improved appreciation of our shared spaces, cultures and languages.

Whilst the majority of our place-names here derive from the Irish language, some influences are also seen from a wide range of other languages, such as English, Scots and Old Norse (NIPNP, 2022). Therefore, our local place-names provide us with an excellent opportunity to unite people from different communities and backgrounds in a shared understanding of where we come from.

This programme focuses particularly on schools and communities which may have had little or no access to the Irish language previously, and has over 2,000 registered participants from all eleven council areas in the north. Workshops, which are still underway, have thus far primarily highlighted the interest among students from various backgrounds to learn more about the Irish language and Irish history.

Furthermore many participants thus far have referenced ‘learning Irish and learning about Irish history and culture’ as their favourite part of the workshop, highlighting the importance of introducing the language through community-based projects.

Learning the language through common topics of interest such as place-names has been emphasised and commended in feedback thus far, with many teachers reflecting upon the knowledge and understanding they, and their classroom assistants gained from the workshop as well as their students.

“It gave the children and staff a clear understanding of why there are certain place names in their local area and beyond.”

As such, this reveals firstly the clear overarching interest in projects which explore the Irish language as a central component of our shared heritage amongst young and old alike and across a diverse range of communities.

The likewise unanimous preference to participate in more workshops like People and Place and Ár dTeanga Chomhroinnte shows the appetite for reconciliation here, and for a society which respects and includes people of all languages and backgrounds.

Furthermore, the impact of these community-based projects should not be underestimated in shaping the perception and understanding which our younger generation in particular hold for the Irish language now, and which they will also carry with them into a society where language rights are met, respected and valued.