Irish%20confusion
Introduction
Irish{con}Fusion will provide an opportunity to find out more about the language in the context of its history and the shared cultural heritage that exists among the Celtic languages of Europe.
“Language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people came from and where they are going.”
Rita Mae Brown, “Starting from Scratch: A Different Kind of Writers’ Manual”, 1988.
“A Uachtaráin, agus a chairde.”
Queen Elizabeth ll, speaking at a state dinner in Dublin Castle, 18 May 2011.
“Is féidir linn.”
US President Barack Obama, College Green, Dublin, 23 May 2011.
Language is never language in itself, it is representative of culture and identity. As such, the Irish language, which is part of a wider Celtic linguistic heritage, dates back to the 5th and 6th centuries, and these languages can be attributed to large sections of the predominant communities on the Island of Ireland, north and south. This then poses the question: ‘How can the Irish language be considered the cultural property of only one of the main communities who have their roots in Northern Ireland?’
Who is this aimed at?
This Learning Resource is aimed at Key Stage 3 for delivery in schools and communities with groups of up to 30 learners. The resource describes the origins of Celtic languages in order to promote an understanding of the evolution of language, as well as provide discussion points in order to promote a more current view of the importance of cultural heritage.
The resource is structured around 4 core delivery sessions and forms part of a wider programme which identifies shared cultural heritage as a means of bringing communities together who may have otherwise been seen to be divided on the basis of cultural identity. The sessions are curriculum mapped at KS 3.