On my blog I described some of the aspects of the Irish culture and tradition, but the issue I have faced is much more complicated.
The question is what does Irish culture mean and how is it look and the most important – what does “being Irish” mean? Since I have been familiar with Irish culture and history in a more than general way I can understand some reasons, but some of them are still unclear.
The two things that determine the each nation are language and history (both modern and earlier).
Ireland during the many centuries faced many invasions from Vikings, Anglo-Normans through the English and Scottish colonization. It is obvious that in that conditions it was very hard to keep own language alive, and after many centuries descendants of Vikings or Anlgo-Normans and later colonisators are Irish for sure and for them the Irish language have never been their own. In addition the Irish speaking population was decimated because of famines and emigration to America. When the Irish independent movement has started Ireland was probably (I guess) more or less English spoken land. The Gaeilge that survived in some remote parts was only one of the symbols of independence more than a commonly known language (apart of some regions), and because of the symbolic meaning has become a primary official language in Ireland.
It is obvious that Irish language is primary in Ireland, as for example Polish language is official language in Poland, or Czech language in Czech Republic, or… which is probably more accurate – Hebrew is primary in Israel and Yiddish (which is a dialect of German) is not official. Till the end of the 2nd World War, Yiddish – a German dialect – was a primary Jewish language, and Hebrew had been dead for about 2 millenniums and was used only during masses and other religious services. During the 19th century – in a period of awake of nations Hebrew and Irish (and many other European languages) has been rediscovered and transformed to a modern versions. After the war the Jews founded their own country and got rid of Yiddish, and Hebrew was brought to live after about 2000 years. In 19th century many of almost dead or forgotten national languages was brought to live again, and they are spoken now. That was a matter of national identity in Poland and other Slavonic countries under the Russian, German, Austrian or Turkish rule. Of course in Poland our language was always alive, but in the other countries the national languages used to be alive at the same level like Irish in Ireland.
Unfortunately Irish language is almost dead. Irish people prefer English, and despite many efforts English – the secondary official language is, in fact, primary one. The historical background is obvious, but it is very interesting question – why the bringing to live Gaeilge as the Irish language has failed?
For the last 4 months I have been asking Irish people why don’t they speak Irish at all. The most popular reason or excuse is that the English language was known widely in Ireland, and they parents were English speakers, and the Irish lessons at school were treated as a unnecessary duty. As a matter of fact Irish language is unneeded and most of the Irish population don’t care about it. Only some people I met could sing some songs or could communicate in Irish, but I am not sure about the level of their language. Some of them finds Irish as a cool and sexy which can be helpful in attracting women or men. Maybe it is, but I am afraid that Irish people just forgot about the most important reason – national language is a identity of a nation.
Of course there are Gaeltacht regions, but they are very small and you need only couple of minutes to drive throughout them. Moreover they seem to be kind of reservoirs which is very meaningful.
>I can’t agree with the excuse that Irish people got used to English which is now the common world language and it is easier. Of course it is, but there are bilingual nations with living their own national tongue (Japans, Swedish, Norwegians, Israelis).
Modern Irish culture resembles American one. Multicultural but mainly Anglo-Saxon or Anlgo-Norman with many emigrants and their own cultures and the Irish – Gaelic culture which is a one of the tourist attractions like American Indians in USA.
Irish people like Gaelic Football, Hurling and Irish music but they don’t like their own national language.
I have tried to learn Irish, but I found nobody who could teach me or help me. Moreover, during last 4 months I met only one Irish speaking family. I still want to learn Irish, and I am looking for somebody who can help me with that or teach me.
The map of gaeltacht regions is meaningful as well. Is the Gaeilge an Irish language?
(map by Wikipedia)
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