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US citizens can win grants to study the Irish language in Ireland

JANE WALSH,

IrishCentral.com Staff Writer

Published Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 7:39 AM

Updated Wednesday, March 23, 2011, 7:39 AM

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Ms Colleen Dube continued: “The conference is open to everyone involved in teaching Irish in the US and is being held with a view to informing future provision and promotion of the Irish language at third level as identified in the 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language.

“Findings of a report we commissioned into Irish Language Teaching & Learning in the US, being undertaken by the Language Centre at National University of Ireland Maynooth, will be officially presented at the conference.

“The event will explore current practice and future possibilities in terms of Irish language teaching, testing, resources and collaborations,” Ms. Dube concluded.

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celticnurse1973 | Mar 27, 2011, 09:44 AM EDT

I don't think anyone should have to pay another's way to learn a laguage. But to mamaginnty, here in the US, we do pay, we have to have english as a second language classes in most schools for spanish speaking students, companies have to pay extra for information to be printed in english and spanish. We also foot the bill if spanish speaking patients need a translator, the list is endless.

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mamaginnty | Mar 24, 2011, 05:29 PM EDT

These grants are not for everyone who might want to learn a few words of our language, these students would be furthering their education on irish. I can see Expatricks point, about the dropping of compulsory irish in our schools. It should not be dropped, but eased during exams. We are going through tough times, and the grants should come later. I can see NO bigotry in his comment. I see it in your comment Goergie, in the way you say...poles pakis etc. Lots of nationalities in your country, do they pay to learn english ?

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antoman | Mar 24, 2011, 12:45 PM EDT

Here's five thousand euro's.Get drunk for the next two weeks.Only know this.I'll be back in a fortnight to check that you've learned Irish.

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beloverelf | Mar 24, 2011, 12:22 PM EDT

I am an American with no Irish blood, I visited Ireland and would love to learn all I can about the country, the History and the Language, but I think I should pay my own way. I also think it should be mandatory to teach the Irish language in Irish schools, that should never be taken away.

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feliciamaisey | Mar 24, 2011, 12:16 PM EDT

As one who has taken Irish language course for three semesters, along with visiting and studying at nauseum about my ancestry, this is an opportunity that exceeds any opportunity offeredstateside: JessNiLeacai, while I understand your position, it seems that this is not a freebee, but rather an opportunity to advance knowledge and culture on a world's scale, and the fact that it is available in Irish schools within the country and not elsewhere is indicative of the need for programs like this .

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JessNiLeacai | Mar 24, 2011, 10:21 AM EDT

As much as I am for the learning of the Irish language and am a speaker myself, I would have to agree that the Irish people should not have to foot the bill for others to learn the language. Irish is to be taken from the curriculum in Irish schools now and yet we are expected to pay for people to holiday and learn Irish at leisure? This is a joke

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seamusmac | Mar 24, 2011, 04:04 AM EDT

I believe that a personal ethnic identity is important. I feel fortunate, privileged and proud to know who my people were and where I come from, as anyone from any culture should. I feel I have a footing here on earth, an origin and a history, a belonging. Language is the distinguishing feature of a culture. When a language dies the culture is soon to follow. I also believe that keeping the Irish language alive should be a priority of the Irish people and the Irish government. I say this as a person who knows how to speak very little of my language of origin. I'm a yank, but I'm going to find out how I can contribute money to this program.

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deborah222002 | Mar 24, 2011, 01:49 AM EDT

I would like to study Irish Gaelic in Ireland!

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expatrick | Mar 23, 2011, 05:38 PM EDT

@georgedillon- I've got nothing against people learning another language.Be it Irish,Chinese or even Swahili.But why is it being paid for by the Irish Taxpayer. If Obama loves his heritage so much why cant pay for it.Why are citizens from the world super power taking subsidies from what has been left a third world country, financially, because of the problems that started with sub-prime greed in the U.S. As for all the foreigners learning English in Ireland. The Irish People voted YES to enlargement of the EU,effectively opening the door to anyone who wanted to come.however I agree they should pay for themselves. better still don't allow them in if they cant speak the language.

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antoman | Mar 23, 2011, 04:35 PM EDT

@georgyboy-I'll reply.You may be right.After having being taught Irish over 12 years or more that speaking it would be like breathing.I recall being in West Cork years ago doing deliveries and I stopped at a small shop to ask for directions.I kinda interrupted two women that were talking as gaeilge by saying escuse me can you tell me where such and such is.They stopped talking and one of them,the one with the steely eye.Asked me in english where I was from.I said Cork city.At that moment she looked at me and sucked 8 years of my life out of me.With a look.She proceeded(after the look) to tell me the directions.

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GeorgeDillon | Mar 23, 2011, 03:11 PM EDT

expartick--You're just an empty bigot. People have a right to study Irish. I've taught the language here in US, why shouldn't those interested get a chance to go live a while in the Gaeltacht? It won't be there in 20 years. You don't mention the hundreds of millions that the Irish government spends on teaching English to Russians, Arabs, Poles, Pakis etc. Why don't those people pay for their own English classes?

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GeorgeDillon | Mar 23, 2011, 03:09 PM EDT

antoman --'Pay me five thousand euro's and I'll learn Chinese'. I doubt it. You had at least 12 years to learn Irish and you can't rub two words together in that language. (I'm assuming that you finished high school, maybe I shouldn't).

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expatrick | Mar 23, 2011, 01:44 PM EDT

Great idea. Take money from the Irish taxpayer to fund holidays For wannabe Paddies. and all in the week they consider dropping compulsory Irish language in Irish schools.

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antoman | Mar 23, 2011, 10:34 AM EDT

Pay me five thousand euro's and I'll learn Chinese.

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