Splitting Irish into two subjects is the answer

THE teaching of Irish as a second language at second level is not infrequently associated with frustration.

Both junior certificate and leaving certificate syllabi fall between two stools: too easy for native/habitual speakers and too difficult for learners, especially at honours level.

A solution would be to create two subjects: Irish language (for language learners) and Irish literature (for native/habitual speakers).

The exam structure for Irish as a second language already exists. NUI Maynooth has developed Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge, the European “drivers’ licence” in Irish based on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, which tests ability in speaking, listening, reading and writing, rather than in essay writing or literature. The grades awarded based on these skills range from A1 (achievable after 80-100 hours of study) through A2, B1, B2, C1 and C2 (high proficiency).

Were Irish taught in the first class period to all students in all schools, pupils could be grouped together according to ability rather than by age or year. All students would leave school with some qualification in Irish, which would be recognised all over Europe.

While Gaelscoileanna and Gaeltacht schools could teach Irish literature, their students could also sit Irish language exams. Also, students in English-medium schools who had a flair for Irish could sit Irish literature exams in the same way students with a flair for maths and physics sit applied maths/physics.

Dáithí Mac Cárthaigh

President

Conradh na Gaeilge

6 Sráid Fhearchair

Baile Átha Cliath 2