moving the minority language beyond the minority © an dr ciarán dawson ionad na gaeilge labhartha...
TRANSCRIPT
Moving the Minority Language beyond the MinorityMoving the Minority Language beyond the Minority
© An Dr Ciarán Dawson Ionad na Gaeilge Labhartha Coláiste na hOllscoile Corcaigh
An Indo-European LanguageAn Indo-European Language
About 7000 BC in Ukraine
An GhaeltachtAn Ghaeltacht
1841 8,100,000 4,100,000
1901 4,458,775 619,710
2001 (north) 1,617,957 75,1252002 (south 4,057,646 1,656,790Total 5,675,603 1,731,915
1841 8,100,000 4,100,000
1901 4,458,775 619,710
2001 (north) 1,617,957 75,1252002 (south 4,057,646 1,656,790Total 5,675,603 1,731,915
Number of Speakers: IrelandNumber of Speakers: Ireland
Population Irish SpeakersPopulation Irish Speakers
In the Census of 2000 25,870 people said they use Irish at home.In the Census of 2000 25,870 people said they use Irish at home.
Number of Speakers: United StatesNumber of Speakers: United States
Legal and Constitutional StatusLegal and Constitutional StatusSouthSouthArticle 81. The Irish language as the national language is the
first official language.
2. The English language is recognised as a second official language.
3. Provision may, however, be made by law for the exclusive use of either of the said languages for any one or more official purposes, either throughout the State or in any part thereof.
Article 81. The Irish language as the national language is the
first official language.
2. The English language is recognised as a second official language.
3. Provision may, however, be made by law for the exclusive use of either of the said languages for any one or more official purposes, either throughout the State or in any part thereof.
NorthNorth1. St Andrews Agreement: the British government has
agreed to introduce an Irish language Bill which could see Irish becoming an official language.
1. St Andrews Agreement: the British government has agreed to introduce an Irish language Bill which could see Irish becoming an official language.
EuropeEurope
1st January 2007: Irish was recognised as an official language of the European Union.
All legislation and documents of major public importance or interest are now produced in Irish.
1st January 2007: Irish was recognised as an official language of the European Union.
All legislation and documents of major public importance or interest are now produced in Irish.
EducationEducation
SouthSouth
NorthNorth
The MediaThe Media
10.000 Readers
Publishes Daily on World Wide Web
Daily Podcasts
Foinse: 7.000 readers.Foinse: 7.000 readers.
Broadcasts Nationally on FM.Has recently begun to broadcast on Internet.Broadcasts 24 hrs a day.
Broadcasts Nationally on FM.Has recently begun to broadcast on Internet.Broadcasts 24 hrs a day.
20.000 daily in Dublin alone.Broadcasts on Internet.20.000 daily in Dublin alone.Broadcasts on Internet.
RTÉRTÉA selection of Programmes on Television and Radio.A selection of Programmes on Television and Radio.
BBC Northern IrelandBBC Northern Ireland30 minutes radio every weekday30 minutes radio every weekday
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaThe Centre for Oral Irish
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaThe Centre for Oral Irish
University College CorkUniversity College Cork
10 Full-time Permanent Staff10 Full-time Permanent Staff
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha
An GhaeltachtAn Ghaeltacht
1 Fulltime Permanent Staff&1 Part-time Permanent Staff
1 Fulltime Permanent Staff&1 Part-time Permanent Staff
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha
2005 - 20062005 - 2006
1289 learners1289 learners
ClassesClasses
Learning SupportLearning Support
An GhaeltachtAn Ghaeltacht
SchemesSchemes
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge LabharthaNon-Irish LearnersNon-Irish Learners
GA1120/1GA1120/1
Evening ClassesEvening Classes
La Universidad de La CoruñaLa Universidad de La Coruña
Ruhr-Universität BochumRuhr-Universität Bochum
KrakowKrakow
MX1004MX1004
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha
La Universidad de La CoruñaLa Universidad de La Coruña
5 Credit Module in Taught PhD Programme in Irish Studies5 Credit Module in Taught PhD Programme in Irish Studies
2006 152006 15
2007 52007 5
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge LabharthaRuhr-Universität BochumRuhr-Universität Bochum
5 Credit Module in Der Optional Bereich5 Credit Module in Der Optional Bereich
2000 602000 60
2001 752001 75
2002 602002 60
2003 652003 65
2004 502004 50
2005 1502005 150
2006 132006 13
2000-7 5612000-7 561
2007 882007 88
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha
KrakowKrakow
2007 122007 12
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha
Evening ClassEvening Class
2002 - 72002 - 7 Buntosnaitheoirí 1Buntosnaitheoirí 1
20 students two nights a week20 students two nights a week
Buntosnaitheoirí 2Buntosnaitheoirí 2
15-20 students one night a week15-20 students one night a week
2003 - 72003 - 7
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge LabharthaGA1120GA1120
2000/1 1602000/1 160
2001/2 1582001/2 158
2002/3 1972002/3 197
2003/4 1572003/4 157
2004/5 2452004/5 245
2005/6 2702005/6 270
2006/7 2962006/7 296
2000-7 14832000-7 1483
Ionad na Gaeilge LabharthaIonad na Gaeilge Labhartha
MX 1004MX 1004
2006/7 82006/7 8
The SurveyThe Survey
Focused on Teaching AbroadFocused on Teaching Abroad
How do learners become aware of Irish?How do learners become aware of Irish?
Why do learners want to learn Irish?Why do learners want to learn Irish?
What are their expectations of Irish?What are their expectations of Irish?
How did you hear about Irish?How did you hear about Irish?
Music 4Music 4
Education 4Education 4
Media 3Media 3
Bilingual Signage 2Bilingual Signage 2
From a Friend 2From a Friend 2
Literature 5Literature 5
Irish was always mentioned related to Galician … I remember that I studied the status of Irish in Ireland, concerning TV, radio, institutions and other details at high school.
Irish was always mentioned related to Galician … I remember that I studied the status of Irish in Ireland, concerning TV, radio, institutions and other details at high school.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
I think it was when I started to be interested in Celtic culture and I heard some Irish songs performed by “Clannad”.
I think it was when I started to be interested in Celtic culture and I heard some Irish songs performed by “Clannad”.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
I don’t remember but probably it was connected with listening to folk and Celtic music.
I don’t remember but probably it was connected with listening to folk and Celtic music.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
About Irish classes at the university I was informed by my friend.About Irish classes at the university I was informed by my friend.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
In reading German renderings of Irish Fairy Tales.In reading German renderings of Irish Fairy Tales.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
In a book I read about Celtic Stories.In a book I read about Celtic Stories.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
I’m interested in music… Furthermore Irish culture is very very popular in Germany.I’m interested in music… Furthermore Irish culture is very very popular in Germany.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
television, internet etctelevision, internet etc
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
In a song. (I guess it was sung by Enya or someone…)In a song. (I guess it was sung by Enya or someone…)
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
The Three Investigators, my favourite stories as a child (10) have workers from Ireland who speak Irish with each other.
The Three Investigators, my favourite stories as a child (10) have workers from Ireland who speak Irish with each other.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
Roadsign in a pub.Roadsign in a pub.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
When I became interested in sci-fi literature.When I became interested in sci-fi literature.
How did you first hear about Irish?How did you first hear about Irish?
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
Unique nature of Irish 5Unique nature of Irish 5
Interest in Languages 4Interest in Languages 4
Liked the sound of Irish 4Liked the sound of Irish 4
Part of Education 3Part of Education 3
Access to Literature 3Access to Literature 3
Celtic Culture 12Celtic Culture 12
Connection with other minority languages 1Connection with other minority languages 1
Just ‘Hooked’ on it 1Just ‘Hooked’ on it 1
I am studying a PhD on Irish Studies, so I think it is important to know the language of Ireland.
I am studying a PhD on Irish Studies, so I think it is important to know the language of Ireland.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I like the sound of Irish so I was more encouraged to learn it.I like the sound of Irish so I was more encouraged to learn it.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
The status of that language reminds me in many senses to that of the Galician language.
The status of that language reminds me in many senses to that of the Galician language.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I wanted to learn a language that some might consider “unnecessary”.I wanted to learn a language that some might consider “unnecessary”.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
Because I felt in love with Irish culture and I like learning anything which is connected with it.
Because I felt in love with Irish culture and I like learning anything which is connected with it.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
Because of the very unique sound of this language - it is beautiful and exotic for me.
Because of the very unique sound of this language - it is beautiful and exotic for me.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I’m fascinated by the Irish culture and I believe that its easier to understand the nation’s culture when one knows its history and language.
I’m fascinated by the Irish culture and I believe that its easier to understand the nation’s culture when one knows its history and language.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
It is something special - usually people know English, German, French or Spanish.
It is something special - usually people know English, German, French or Spanish.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
Knowing a little bit of Irish I’ll know something more about Irish culture.Knowing a little bit of Irish I’ll know something more about Irish culture.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I love the way the language sounds in poetry and songs.I love the way the language sounds in poetry and songs.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
It is a wonderful and peculiar language remote from my field of classical languages.
It is a wonderful and peculiar language remote from my field of classical languages.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I am interested in the culture and history of the country.I am interested in the culture and history of the country.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
My plan is to become a teacher of English and Geography. Therefore Irish and the Irish culture are excellent additions.
My plan is to become a teacher of English and Geography. Therefore Irish and the Irish culture are excellent additions.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
Because of the Celtic origin (instead of Roman or Germanic)Because of the Celtic origin (instead of Roman or Germanic)
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
Out of a general interest in Ireland and its culture, oringinally stirred by the poetry of Yeats, more practically out of a desire to study in Ireland for a period of time.
Out of a general interest in Ireland and its culture, oringinally stirred by the poetry of Yeats, more practically out of a desire to study in Ireland for a period of time.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I am interested in Ireland’s history and culture, especially theatre, poets playwrights.
I am interested in Ireland’s history and culture, especially theatre, poets playwrights.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I like languages but only when it seems to be extraordinary.I like languages but only when it seems to be extraordinary.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
I got hooked (after I got over the slender/broad thing the books for learners seem to use to keep people away).
I got hooked (after I got over the slender/broad thing the books for learners seem to use to keep people away).
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
In my opinion we should learn not only the most popular ones but also others - to protect them against disappearing.
In my opinion we should learn not only the most popular ones but also others - to protect them against disappearing.
Why do you want to learn Irish?Why do you want to learn Irish?
What level of Irish would you be satisfied with?1 = basic level5 = native speaker level
What level of Irish would you be satisfied with?1 = basic level5 = native speaker level
1 - 2 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum (1)1 - 2 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum (1)
2 - 0 Coruña () Krakow () Bochum ()2 - 0 Coruña () Krakow () Bochum ()
3 - 11 Coruña (2) Krakow (3) Bochum (6)3 - 11 Coruña (2) Krakow (3) Bochum (6)
4 - 4 Coruña (1) Krakow (2) Bochum (2)4 - 4 Coruña (1) Krakow (2) Bochum (2)
5 - 1 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum ()5 - 1 Coruña () Krakow (1) Bochum ()
ImplicationsImplicationsFor promotion of languageFor promotion of language
Perception abroad of Irish as integral to understanding Ireland, its culture and its literature.Perception abroad of Irish as integral to understanding Ireland, its culture and its literature.
Others are attracted to Irish because of its perception as being on the outer limits.Others are attracted to Irish because of its perception as being on the outer limits.
Others like the sound of Irish and are attracted to its music and poetry.Others like the sound of Irish and are attracted to its music and poetry.
Users of other minority languages find common cause with Irish.Users of other minority languages find common cause with Irish.
For the teaching of IrishFor the teaching of Irish
While Irish people generally aim to reach native-speaker or near native-speaker level with Irish, people from abroad are generally satisfied to become average users of the language.
While Irish people generally aim to reach native-speaker or near native-speaker level with Irish, people from abroad are generally satisfied to become average users of the language.
ImplicationsImplications
While there is an obvious need to cater for the nature of the demand, it is also necessary to create the conditions in which learners will be motivated to aspire to the highest level of language skills.
While there is an obvious need to cater for the nature of the demand, it is also necessary to create the conditions in which learners will be motivated to aspire to the highest level of language skills.
What are the particular challenges learning Irish poses to speakers of languages other than English.What are the particular challenges learning Irish poses to speakers of languages other than English.
Further ResearchFurther Research
What is the experience of other Minority Languages in this area?What is the experience of other Minority Languages in this area?
How much of a motivating factor can this interest from abroad be for Irish people to learn their own language?How much of a motivating factor can this interest from abroad be for Irish people to learn their own language?