The future of Irish - A daunting challenge

IF the future of Irish depends on making the subject mandatory — or more or less mandatory — for students then the language’s prospects are indeed perilous.

Irrespective of the subject this smacks of a culturalauthoritarianism not acceptable in 2011.

Nevertheless, the vast majority of Irish people are well disposed towards the language but that goodwill does not extend to using it on a daily basis.

There are others who are much more passionate about our first language though they are very much in the minority. The use of Irish has been in decline for centuries and it is unlikely that any edict will reverse that, irrespective of its beauty or cultural value.

The state has dedicated vast resources, directly or indirectly, towards rejuvenating the language. One estimate puts the cost at €1 billion a year.

It seems obvious that the decline will continue unless Irish language advocates can make it more relevant, more attractive and engaging. More loveable even. In a digital age where the idea of nationhood and nationalism, and the expression of those things, is changing dramatically that seems a terribly daunting challenge.