DCAL Minister Sets New Path For Irish Language

Carál Ní Chuilín today outlined her vision for the development of the Irish Language. The Minister launched Líofa 2015 – a campaign to encourage more people to speak the language, and break down the barriers around it. Líofa means fluent in Irish and this initiative will encourage 1,000 people from all walks of life across the North to sign up to be fluent in Irish by 2015. Culture Minister Carál Ní Chuilín said, “I recognise that some have over many years sought to portray the promotion of Gaelic culture and the Irish language as in some way threatening and as the preserve of one section of our community. “This approach needs to be challenged. Attempts by opponents of the language to politicize it are counterproductive and wrong. The rich cultural and linguistic heritage on this island is something that we all share and something that we should all embrace. “I am determined to see this happen. I want us to reach a position where the Irish language is learnt, spoken and enjoyed by people of all backgrounds and traditions. Therefore today I launched the Líofa 2015 Initiative. Líofa means fluent in Irish and fluency is what this initiative is all about.” As part of the initiative individuals are urged to undertake the Líofa Challenge. The Minister is encouraging learners to sign up by going online to the DCAL website and following the links for the Líofa 2015 Initiative. Alternatively for those who cannot access the internet, sign up sheets are made available through the Libraries NI branch network. Those who sign up will be directed to a variety of Irish Language classes and other learning materials that are available in their locality. During the period between 2011 and 2015, those who have signed up will occasionally be contacted by the Department to see how their journey towards fluency is progressing. At the launch the Minister highlighted the cultural and economic value of the Irish Language: She said, “The cultural value of the Irish Language is immense. Irish is one of the oldest written languages in the world. The earliest evidence of this is preserved in the Ogham inscriptions dating from the fifth century. “The Irish language is vital in defining who we are. It is an essential part of the fabric of our society, our communities and our cultural identity. “But the value of the Irish language goes far beyond its significant contribution to the cultural life of the Island. An increased sense of cultural self-confidence generates creativity and enhances collective memory. A culture which is confident in itself is more likely to embrace and respect other cultures and this respect is something worth striving for. The Irish language helps to enrich lives. “The Irish language also brings economic benefits to the Island through the role it plays in promoting cultural tourism. Cultural tourism can reap huge rewards for the economy and investment in languages can generate many diverse jobs. For example, I am looking forward to the completion of the Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich. The centre already attracts over 80,000 people from across the country. This in turn helps boost our economy.” The Minister also announced that during the lifetime of the Liofa 2015 initiative her officials will also look into additional ways of providing support to those learning Irish and will be seeking stakeholders from across the community to get involved with helping support those who wish to learn Irish.]]>