Imasha Costa: As a migrant, learning Irish is my favourite way to integrate

I love Ireland with my whole heart. But, Ballyferriter made me fall deeply in love with the Irish language and the people, writes Imasha Costa

It was during a trip to a Gaeltacht in West Kerry that Imasha fell deeply in love with the Irish language and culture. File picture: Dan Linehan

One of the first things they teach you in Irish class is “How are you?” and “Where do you come from?”; sentences which help you illustrate your identity as you communicate in a new language.

Last autumn, after celebrating five years of leaving everything behind and moving to Ireland, I decided it was time that I would learn Irish. This would have been my fifth language, and I knew it would help me integrate into Irish society further.