BBC radio host forced to apologise after an "insulting" tweet suggested Welsh was akin to a foreign language.

Jeremy Vine criticised over attitude to Welsh language. The BBC radio host Jeremy Vine has been criticised after he appeared to suggest people in Wales should speak English instead of their mother tongue.

Earlier this year he interviewed a man from Pontypridd in South Wales who'd declared about Welsh: "I don't want to speak it, it's a horrible language.

"If you go into any pub in west Wales, or North Wales, they're all there speaking English. As soon as they hear my accent, they start changing into Welsh, so we can't understand them."

After the aftermath had seemingly died down, Radio 2 produced its review of the year, which tossed the issue back into the limelight.

In an attempt to douse the flames, Vine shared an article by BBC colleague Owen Williams in an attempt to "provide context".


But it had the opposite effect, with proud Welshmen accusing the presenter of bigotry, which he denied.

A further furore then erupted when Jeremy Vine's official Twitter feed responded to a message, which compared speaking the Welsh language in Wales to using French in France, by asking: "Is France in the UK?"

The tweet has since been deleted.

Replying to a Twitter user who suggested the presenter apologised or explained the tweet, Vine insisted : "My tweet was misconstrued! I was pointing out that the listener on my show who complained about people not speaking English to him in Wales was not quite the same as a Brit in Paris who complains no-one speaks English there. Didn't mean to offend."

Plaid Cymru Welsh Assembly member Sian Gwenllian, whose Arfon constituency is in the Welsh-speaking heartland of north west Wales, invited Vine to visit the area "so that you can understand what it means to live in a community where Welsh is the day-to-day medium of communication".

"Perhaps then you will see why your recent remark about the Welsh language is profoundly insulting to our identity, culture and way of life."

Source

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New Chairman for National Centre for Learning Welsh Advisory Board

The National Centre for Learning Welsh is pleased to announce Rheon Tomos has been appointed the new Chairman of the Centre’s Advisory Board. Rheon Tomos will succeed Dr Haydn E Edwards who has chaired the Board for the past three years.

 

Rheon Tomos is a Chartered Accountant and has worked in both public finance and policy. During his career, he has specialised in education and has been a member of S4C’s Board, Estyn and Cymwysterau Cymru: Qualifications Wales. He is a current member of the Audit Committees of Amgueddfa Cymru/National Museum Wales and the Welsh Language Commissioner. He is also a Trustee and Vice Chairman of Urdd Gobaith Cymru.

Rheon is a native of Gwynedd and graduated from Bangor University. During the 1980s he lived in Carmarthen, but he and his family are now settled in Cardiff.

Rheon and other members of the Advisory Board will work to ensure the Centre achieves its strategic objectives by transforming the provision for Welsh learners as well as agreeing on national targets for the Learn Welsh sector.

Rheon Tomos said: “I’m looking forward to taking on this new role in the New Year. It will be a privilege to build upon the Centre’s current work and support adults to learn Welsh in order to contribute to Welsh Government’s aim of creating a million Welsh speakers by 2050.”

The Centre is also seeking new members to join the Board as some current members are coming to the end of their terms. The Centre welcomes applications from individuals who are eager to promote teaching Welsh to adults or who have learnt Welsh themselves.

The successful candidates will be required to attend three meetings a year and the closing date for applications is Friday, 11 January 2019. Further information can be found here.

Efa Gruffudd Jones, Chief Executive of the National Centre for Learning Welsh added:

‘‘We look forward to welcoming Rheon to the Centre, as well as other new Board members who will support him in his work. Rheon has a strong understanding of the sector as well as extensive experience of chairing meetings, and I’m certain the Centre will be in capable hands as we start the next phase of our work.

“I would also like to thank Dr Haydn E Edwards for his work as the Advisory Board’s first Chairman. Haydn gave strong leadership and excellent advice in guiding the Centre’s first years.”

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East Belfast may get Irish-medium school

There are plans to open the first Irish-medium school in east Belfast. A number of organisations are behind the proposal, including the NI Council for Integrated Education (NICIE) and Comhairle na Gaelscolaíochta (CnaG).
The proposal would involve the creation of a new Irish language nursery and primary school.
As the project is in its early stages, however, no prospective site has yet been identified.
Linda Ervine, from the Irish-language organisation Turas, is also involved in the plans.
Turas has been running Irish classes for adults in the Skainos centre in east Belfast for a number of years.
Ms Ervine said there was a demand from some parents in the area for Irish-medium education.
"We know there is a demand and we feel there is a gap in east Belfast at the minute," she said.
"We've already got parents who have registered their babies and said 'we want our children to attend an Irish medium school'."
There are already nine Irish-medium primary schools in Belfast but only one, Scoil an Droichid, in the south and east of the city.
It is in the lower Ormeau area but there are plans to move to the former Ulidia primary school site close to Ormeau Park.

 

 Scoil an Droichid is the sole Irish-medium school in the south and east of Belfast

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Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh, New Scottish Gaelic School

Deputy First Minister, John Swinney MSP officially opened Bun-sgoil Ghàidhlig Phort Rìgh in September. Support given to Highland Council by the Scottish Government was key to making it happen but without the persistence of parents over the past ten years it is unlikely that there would have been a school. We are looking forward to seeing the school flourish and well done to all concerned.

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€2.7 million funding announced for An tAcadamh, NUI Galway’s Irish Language School

€2.7 million in funding has been allocated to NUI Galway’s Irish Language Academy, An tAcadamh.
The allocation will provide €900,000 per year for three academic years, commencing with the 2018/19 academic year.
Speaking from the Acadamh in An Cheathrú Rua, Minister Sean Kyne, said he was delighted to announce the funding of 2.7 million. 
“The funding is guided by a service level agreement between my department, the Department of Culture, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and the Acadamh na hOllscolaíochta Gaeilge which was established in 2004. 
“The Acadamh operates from NUIG’s main campus in Galway and three centres in the Gaeltacht – An Cheathrú Rua and Carna in Connemara and Gaoth Dobhair in Donegal.
“It plays a vital role in developing and provided higher education through Irish including the provision of courses and classes for Irish language learners of all levels and of all ages, said Minister Kyne.
The Acadamh is a centre of learning for more than 2,000 people each year including students undertaking third level courses through Irish, students training to become primary and secondary teachers, students studying for the Diploma sa Ghaeilge as well as international students. 
It also conducts research on ways to promote and preserve the Irish language, in particular in Gaeltacht communities, and also plays a role in the language planning process. 
Minister Kyne continued: “The contribution of the Acadamh to the local economy is significant with direct employment for approximately 80 people, including 35 in Connemara, as well as the boost that students bring, especially those on residential courses. 
“This funding from my department, which fulfils objectives of the Government’s Action Plan for the Irish Language, will help the Acadamh continue its work which is so vital to An Ghaeilge and the Gaeltacht.

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Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg tells Starbucks to ‘Respect the Welsh language’

Members of the Pantycelyn group of Cymdeithas yr Iaith gathered outside Aberystwyth Starbucks on Friday (April 29) calling on the company to respect the Welsh language.

The action followed an allegation by star soprano Gwawr Edwards that she overheard a member of Starbucks staff told a customer to ‘Speak English or get out’.

The company now denies the incident happened at all.


Manon Elin, chair of Cymdeithas’ language rights group who is also a member of the Pantycelyn group said: “It strikes us as odd that someone, with a high public profile, would tweet about something like this if there is no truth to it.

“But the fact remains that the company, like every other company, should ensure that all staff are aware of the importance of offering a service in Welsh, and that the Welsh language has official status.

“It is the staff’s responsibility to learn Welsh to serve customers, not expect customers to use English. As there was an allegation that an individual’s freedom to speak Welsh was interfered with, which is illegal, we have asked the Welsh Language Commissioner to investigate.”

Councillor Mark Strong who joined the group at Starbucks on Friday told the Herald that they got a far from friendly reaction when they asked politely, in Welsh, to speak to the manager.

Elfed Jones, Chair of the Pantycelyn group of Cymdeithas yr Iaith said: “Cymdeithas has sent a letter to the company’s national HQ about the situation but we felt that something should be done locally too. We encourage everyone to go to local cafes.

“But given that not everyone will want to do so, all staff at Starbucks should have language awareness training, and be provided with Welsh lessons.”

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New £7.4million home for Welsh primary school planned for Barry

Vale of Glamorgan Council's cabinet approved plans on December 17 to consult on moving Ysgol St Baruc to a new building in Barry Waterfront. It would mean the capacity of the Welsh medium school would expand from 210 places to 420 places, and it would also have 96 nursery places.

The public consultation will run from January 8 to February 22. Councillor John Thomas, leader of the council, said in a statement: “Welsh medium education is increasing in popularity and has seen significant growth since Ysgol Gymraeg Bro Morgannwg opened in 2000. The council needs to plan its school provision in line with this.

“A new Welsh medium primary school on the Waterfront will remove the need for many pupils and parents to travel across the town to school each day. Alongside a remodelling of school catchment areas elsewhere in Barry this will lead to an increase in spaces at other schools.”

The current Ysgol St Baruc operates from a Victorian building and a two classroom block built in the 1980s. The council says there is no room for the school to expand at its current site, where the classrooms are too small for the number of pupils and the school currently uses the dining facilities at the adjacent High Street Primary School as there are no catering facilities on site.

Establishing a new primary school on the Waterfront is likely to lead to changes to the catchment areas of High Street, Holton and Ysgol St Baruc Primary schools.

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An Comunn Gàidhealach: John Macleod Memorial Lecture to take place on Thursday 24 January 2019

In his opening address at the 2018 Royal National Mòd in Dunoon, Allan Campbell (President of An Comunn Gàidhealach) remarked upon the passing of the late John Macleod, who was president of An Comunn Gàidhealach for ten years, reiterating the appreciation for everything that John did as president, and for Gaelic in general. He revealed that An Comunn Gàidhealach, organisers of The Mòd, will establish an annual lecture in John’s memory. It is appropriate that the annual lecture is supported by the Department of Celtic and Scottish Studies of the University of Edinburgh. This support will allow the first annual John Macleod Memorial Lecture to take place on Thursday 24 January 2019, in The Project Room, 50 George Square, University of Edinburgh, EH8 9LH. In recognition of John’s enthusiasm and encouragement of young people in the Gaelic community, the lectures will always be delivered by young speakers and it is appropriate that the inaugural address will be delivered by Kate Forbes MSP.
The focus of the address will be on young people and how we address the opportunity to attract them to our cultural heritage. The topic is particularly relevant in the wake of the highly successful 2018 celebration of Scotland’s Year of Young People. Indeed, in his opening address at the 2018 Royal National Mòd Allan Campbell remarked upon the importance of keeping Gaelic cultural heritage alive, highlighting the important contribution that the Royal National Mòd makes and stating that: “The future of Gaelic is dependent on the confidence and opportunities which we provide for the young people who will succeed us.”
Kate Forbes, MSP said: “It is a great honour to be asked to give the inaugural John MacLeod Memorial Lecture, as a young Gael. I had the enormous privilege of working with John Macleod as Convenor of the Cross Party Group on Gaelic. He was a determined campaigner, well-known across the political spectrum. I was delighted to pay tribute to his efforts to secure UNESCO status for Gaelic earlier this year. It seems fitting to start 2018 recalling John Macleod’s character, contributions and concern for Gaelic’s future.
Allan Campbell, President of An Comunn Gàidhealach, said: “We are delighted that Kate Forbes has agreed to deliver the inaugural John Macleod Memorial Lecture. It would be difficult to find a better example of the benefits of bilingual Gaelic education. Kate exudes confidence in Gaelic and is precisely the type of exponent of our language and culture that John wished to see in all our Gaelic communities”
Prof. Rob Dunbar, Department of Celtic and Scottish studies of the University of Edinburgh, said: “We are delighted and, indeed, deeply honoured to host this inaugural John Macleod Memorial Lecture. John was a tireless and principled campaigner for the language and contributed greatly to the Gaelic community both nationally and here in Edinburgh. It will be a pleasure to welcome Kate Forbes back to the university. Her fluency in and strong commitment to Gaelic, and her commitment to public life make her both an excellent role model and a most appropriate inaugural lecturer.”

• John Macleod, Memorial Lecture
• Date: 24
• January 2019
• Venue: The University of Edinburgh, The Project Room, 50 George Square, Edinburgh, EH8 9LH
• Time: 19.00 – 21.30 (Address delivered at 19.30)

Translation facilities for non-Gaelic speakers will be available
For media information please contact An Comunn Gàidhealach:
01463 709705

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"Support for the Cornish language is growing"

“Support for the Cornish language is growing” says the new Grand Bard of Cornwall. Communique from Gorsedh Kernow – The Celtic spirit of Cornwall – in its 90th anniversary year
“This is one of my first duties as the new Grand Bard of Cornwall,” said Elizabeth Carne, Melennek, as she prepared to present graduation certificates to successful candidates of the Cornish language, Kernewek at Lys Kernow (Cornwall Council Offices) in Truro on Saturday 14th September 2018
The Cornish Language Board, KESVA – set up in 1967 by Gorsedh Kernow and the Federation of Old Cornwall Societies, recently announced an impressive set of results from the 77 candidates who took their exams back in the summer.
“I am so proud to congratulate our successful students, almost 15% up on last year, who are joining the growing number of people learning and taking exams in our precious Cornish language, Kernewek,” said the Grand Bard “and as a Cornish language teacher myself I would like to encourage everyone to think about learning a little Kernewek to use in their everyday lives.”
Taking time out after a hectic few months in the run up to Gorsedh Kernow’s Esedhvos Festival of Cornish Culture, where Mrs Carne was installed as the new Grand Bard, she expressed her enormous gratitude to all those, many of whom are bards of Gorsedh Kernow, working hard to help the language thrive.
“I can hardly believe it myself, but it’s now forty years since I was invited to join the College of Bards for proficiency in the Cornish language and I have never lost my love for it.”
She gave particular mention to fellow bard Keith Syed, Gwyk Los, who was recently awarded a Gorsedh Kernow Awen medal in recognition of 34 years work on a translation of the Bible into Cornish.
“This is not the first time the Bible has been translated into Cornish,” said the Grand Bard, “but access to such large volumes in print is not always easy and we are delighted to announce that this new translation is available through newly launched downloadable apps for tablets, smartphones, pc and laptop.”
While warmly welcoming this move towards greater access to the Cornish language the Grand Bard once again drew attention to the lack of support from the British government for such an important part of Cornish culture.
“The Council of Europe has long since recognised the Cornish people and the importance of our cultural assets, such as Kernewek, under the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities ” said Elizabeth Carne, “and once again we call on HM Government to honour their commitment to the Cornish people and reinstate funding to the Cornish language.”

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Irish Language GCSE entries falling 30 % in Northern Ireland

The number of pupils taking Irish GCSE exams is falling at a time when the sector is growing rapidly. Gael Linn, the national organisation that works to foster and promote Irish, said languages need to become an essential part of the curriculum again.

The group carried out an analysis of the numbers choosing Irish at GCSE from 2007 to 2018. The findings were "a cause of deep concern", it said. In 2007, there were 2,710 pupils taking the subject compared to 1,814 this year - a drop of more than 30 per cent.
Separate research predicts an almost 100 per cent rise over a 15-year period in children being educated at Irish-medium schools. In 2006/07, there were 3,660 children at Irish-medium schools. This increased to 5,873 by 2016 and it is predicted that by 2021, there will be 7,220 children receiving education through the medium of Irish - a rise of 97 per cent from 2006.

"There are two subjects available in Irish at GCSE; GCSE Irish and GCSE Gaeilge which is usually taken by Irish-medium pupils of which there are approximately 150 per annum. The fall in the numbers choosing GCSE Irish is up to 30 per cent since a decision was taken to make languages optional in the national curriculum and at GCSE level across the UK in 2004. Gael Linn raised this issue when it put together a delegation to lobby members of parliament at Westminster late last month."

The group further noted concerns raised by the chief inspector in which she reported a decline in the study of modern languages. There has been no replacement for the Primary Languages Programme which ended in 2015. It helped 413 primary schools to introduce Irish, Polish or Spanish at Key Stage 1.Noelle Buick also reported on falling numbers taking languages at GCSE and A-level despite the quality of teaching them being as good or better than other subjects inspected.

"The chief inspector refers to the Northern Ireland Languages Strategy which has not yet been introduced. This strategy has been on the shelf since 2012. Gael Linn has concerns that this languages strategy will be out of date before it is even introduced," Mr Ó Ciaráin said. "The number of pupils in Irish immersion education has increased again with 6,184 pupils now attending Irish-medium schools in Northern Ireland.

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Skye MSP urges Scottish Gaelic safeguard

The first female MSP to make a plenary address in the Scottish Parliament chamber in Gaelic has warned the language’s future will only be secured for the next generation if all speakers step up their efforts. Skye MSP Kate Forbes believes more Gaelic speakers should be using the language ‘loudly and noticeably’ in the public square.

Delivering the prestigious Oraid an t-Sabhail lecture on Friday night at Scotland’s national centre for Gaelic language, culture and the arts, Sabhal Mor Ostaig on Skye, the Highland MSP follows in the footsteps of four serving Scottish First Ministers (Nicola Sturgeon, Alex Salmond, Jack McConnell and the late Donald Dewar).

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Joint Statement by Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Cornish organisations

The European Language Equality Network (ELEN) with its Welsh, Scottish, Irish and Cornish member organisations, has issued a joint statement over the potentially disastrous effect of Brexit on the Celtic languages and are calling on the UK and devolved governments to remain in the EU.

In the statement the organisations outline the benefits of being in the EU for the languages in terms of protection and promotion, all of which will be lost with Brexit.

The joint statement says that: “Brexit will have a profoundly negative effect for all of the Celtic languages spoken in the UK. These language communities in Wales, Scotland, the north of Ireland, and Cornwall are faced not only with losing direct funding via programmes such as Erasmus Plus, Creative Europe and Horizon 2020, but also with losing significant structural funds such as the Social Fund, Interreg, Growth, LEADER and EAFRD, all of which have created sustainable employment for Celtic language speakers in sectors such as agriculture, fishing, tourism and higher education. Outside the Common Agricultural Policy, agriculture and the rural economy will face huge challenges – and these are extremely important sectors where Celtic language speakers live and work.

“The exchange of information, the flow of ideas and the connections made between individuals, organizations and institutions over the past forty years have greatly enriched the knowledge base and the transfer of best practice in language revitalization across our communities.

“The UK Government has said that existing funding will be guaranteed only until 2020. In addition, with a no-deal Brexit, there will be the huge loss of access to the European markets with the potential of trade tariffs and border controls which will affect all economic sectors. For our language communities it is vital that our governments make the case for the economic well-being of these communities and to ensure that we continue to receive the support that we need to ensure the long-term sustainability of our languages and cultures. Many of our language communities exist in areas suffering from higher levels of deprivation and will be disproportionately affected by negative impacts of Brexit on a political, economic and cultural level.”

The statement concludes that: “It is a situation that we find unacceptable, and coming at a time where we are doing crucial work to revitalize Irish, Welsh, Gaelic and Cornish.

Based on the reasons outlined in the statement and what they “consider to be the best course of action to protect, nurture and develop our languages and language rights”, the organisations “call on the UK Government, the UK Parliament, the Scottish Parliament, the Welsh Senedd and Konsel Kernow to support remaining in the European Union.”

The statement has been signed by Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin from Conradh na Gaeilge (Ireland), Dòmhnall MacNèill from Commun na Gàidhlig (Scotland), Bethan Roberts, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg (Wales), Davyth Hicks, European Language Equality Network (Belgium), Maureen Pierce, Kesva an Taves Kernewek (Cornwall), Loveday Jenkin, Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek (Cornwall), Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones, Mercator Media (Wales), Ceri Owen, Rhieni dros Addysg Gymraeg (Wales), Sioned Haf, Mudiad Dathlu’r Gymraeg (Wales), and Conchúr Ó Giollagáin, Soillse (Scotland).

ELEN Secretary-General, Davyth Hicks, said that: “Brexit is potentially disastrous for our language communities which are already under severe pressure because of lack of decent employment, affordable housing, out migration, and years of austerity measures. It would cut us off from EU human rights mechanisms and remove the safety net of structural funds which have helped to create jobs for thousands of Celtic language speakers.”

ELEN is an international NGO that works to protect and promote European minoritised languages. It represents 45 languages with 150 member organisations in 23 European states. (Eurolang 2018).


Signature organisations:
Ciarán Mac Giolla Bhéin,Conradh na Gaeilge

Dòmhnall MacNèill,Commun na Gàidhlig

Bethan Roberts, Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg

Davyth Hicks, European Language Equality Network

Maureen Pierce, Kesva an Taves Kernewek

Loveday Jenkin, Kowethas an Yeth Kernewek

Elin Haf Gruffydd Jones, Mercator Media

Ceri Owen, Rhieni dros Addysg Gymraeg

Sioned Haf, Mudiad Dathlu’r Gymraeg

Conchúr Ó Giollagáin, Soillse

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Mebyon Kernow upset over no Cornish tickbox in 2021 census

It has its own flag, language (Kernowek) and unique culture – but it looks as though residents of Cornwall will once again miss out on being able to declare their identity at the next census.

The leader of Mebyon Kernow has condemned the publication of a Government White Paper about the 2021 census, which states it does not support the inclusion of a 'Cornish' nationality tickbox.

Cllr Dick Cole has described the announcement as “illogical, prejudicial, disrespectful and just plain wrong.” He has also called on campaigners to continue to push for a Cornish tickbox and to pressure the UK Government to reverse its present position.


Mr Cole said: “The Cornish are recognised as a national minority through the Framework Convention for the Protection of National Minorities, just the same as the Irish, Scots and Welsh.

“It is scandalous that the UK Government and Office of National Statistics consider it acceptable that the Cornish will be the only UK national minority to be denied a tickbox on the 2021 census.

“This is discriminatory. It is also illogical, prejudicial, disrespectful and just plain wrong.”

However, he vowed to continue the fight.

“We must not give up. We must redouble our efforts to push for a Cornish tickbox and to pressure the UK Government to do the right thing and to meet its obligations through the Framework Convention,” added Mr Cole.

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Diwan School Christmas Market attracts more than 700 people

The fifteenth edition of the Diwan School Christmas Market attracted more than 700 people on December 9th. Attendance markedly up this year. Organized by the support committee of Diwan School (Kuzul Skoazell Skol Diwan Karaez), the Christmas market is still a highly anticipated moment of the calendar. "Everything has been sold," says Roxanne Caillebot, president of the association. Twenty-seven exhibitors were gathered for this event. "Some of these exhibitors have been loyal to us since the beginning," she says. In the public, many tell us that they come back every year to find some producers, especially for foie gras.

The choice of products was very varied: clothing, food, wooden games, decorations, customizable items ... "We prioritize local producers, we even have some organic producers," she says. The school's stand also featured items made by schoolchildren, as well as t-shirts bearing the image of the school. A sale of pancakes prepared throughout the day by parents of students, was also organized for the benefit of the school. Among the highlights of the day, the traditional angling or distribution of treats by Santa Claus, were very popular with toddlers. The raffle also won prizes offered by the exhibitors.

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Armagh representatives lobby Westminster parties on Irish Language Act

Representatives from Cairde Teo, the Irish language cooperative based in Armagh City, joined advocacy organisations Gael Linn and POBAL in London last week to raise the issue of the Irish Language Act with MPs from a wide range of parties at the Houses of Parliament in Westminster.
Gearóid Ó Machail, said: “We had a warm and enthusiastic welcome at meetings with MPs from the SNP, Plaid Cymru, Labour and Conservative parties and we discussed with them the need for the implementation of the Irish Language Act and the fulfilment of the British government’s commitment, made in the St Andrews’ Agreement in 2006.”
Among those MPs that the delegation met was Liz Saville-Roberts from Plaid Cymru.
Ms Saville-Roberts recently made history by speaking Irish in a Westminster debate – the first MP to address the Houses of Parliament in Irish for over 100 years.

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Ai'ta! denounces the installation of non-bilingual road signs

In a communique, the Ai'ta collective for the defense and promotion of the Breton language, denounces the recent installation of non-bilingual road signs contrary to the commitment made by the French government last March.

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QUBSU referendum votes in favour of a new Irish-Language Officer

Total Votes: 1488
Ar son • In favour: 1137 (76.44%)
In éadan • Against: 334 (22.46%)
Abstentions: 16 (1.10%)
Belfast Queen’s University students voted in favour of Irish Language and Trans officers in a campus-wide referendum. The referendum results are a welcome step forward in recognising the role that Irish speakers and Trans citizens play in our society and on university campuses. 
Irish speaking students are entitled to the same rights as enjoyed by citizens who live their daily lives through the medium of English and this is a progressive move by QUBSU. 

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‘Gwenwyn’ by the band Alffa is the first Welsh language song to hit one million plays on Spotify

A rock duo have become the first to score one million plays with a Welsh language song on the streaming service Spotify. Alffa released 'Gwenwyn' - Poison - in July, when it was picked-up and put on influential Spotify playlists.

The band said the milestone was "nuts", with their song being streamed from Brazil to Australia.

"We weren't expecting anything like this," said guitarist and lead singer Dion Jones.

Jones and drummer Sion Land only finished school in the summer, where they were sixth-form students at Ysgol Brynrefail in Llanrug, near Caernarfon.As part of the Horizons project, which is a collaboration with Arts Council of Wales, they have had the chance to play summer festivals and showcase events, as well as being signed to Welsh label Recordiau Côsh.

The label's founder, Welsh singer-songwriter Yws Gwynedd, said Alffa's success had shown that "language barriers are being blown wide open".

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€3 million being allocated for the Investment Plan for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht

Although Conradh na Gaeilge welcomes the additional funding being made available in this year’s Budget, with approximately €3 million being allocated to some aspects of the Investment Plan for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht agreed by 90 Irish language and Gaeltacht groups, this increase does not provide fairness for the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities.

It is positive that there will be additional capital funding for Údarás na Gaeltachta and other Irish language schemes - including Irish language centres, language planning schemes, Gaeltacht scholarships for children in DEIS schools, and grants for the Comharchumainn Phobal Ghaeltachta. And aside from the items included in the agreed Investment Plan, it is also positive that €1.5m is to be spent on travel infrastructure on Tóraigh and Árann. This additional promised funding, however, is not enough and there are many aspects of the Investment Plan which have not been granted any funding.

Dr. Niall Comer, Uachtarán an Chonartha, says that “Conradh na Gaeilge are disappointed that Taoiseach, Leo Varadkar, TD, has not done more, especially since we met him in June and discussed the devastating cuts made to Irish language and Gaeltacht funding since 2008, which have not been reversed by the Government in the past four years.”

“The €9m requested for the Investment Plan was needed in this Budget, in order to demonstrate fairness and support for Irish language and Gaeltacht communities.”

Conradh na Gaeilge recognise the increase in budget being made available, but there is a crisis in Gaeltacht areas at the moment, with essential services being reduced. It is high time that the Government accept responsibility and provide full, proper support and rights in order to protect these communities.

According to Julian de Spáinn, Ard-Rúnaí Chonradh na Gaeilge, “this budget demonstrates the need, more than ever, for a Senior Minister for the Irish language and the Gaeltacht within the Government. The preparative work has been done and a coherent way forward is included in the Investment Plan for the Irish Language and the Gaeltacht agreed by 90 Irish language and Gaeltacht groups – all the Government have to do is fund it. A majority of TD’s agree that this plan should be funded.”

Conradh na Gaeilge are appealing to the Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, TD, to rectify the lack of fairness in the budget for the Irish language and Gaeltacht communities, by supporting the Investment plan in its entirety in the revised Budget estimates, providing investment which would create over 1,150 jobs and create many other opportunities for the Irish language and its communities.”

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Young Scottish Gaelic speakers relatively stable

The report 'Young People and the Highlands and Islands: Maximising Opportunities' presents the findings of a wide-ranging study focused on the changing attitudes and aspirations of young people aged 15-30 in relation to the Highlands and Islands of Scotland. The study builds on previous research undertaken in 2015, exploring how opportunities around education, training and employment can be maximised for all young people. A total of 3,130 young people from within and outwith the region contributed to the research, sharing their views on the Highlands and Islands as a place to live, work and study.

The majority (68%) of participants did not have any Gaelic language skills. Just under one fifth (18%) had a little Gaelic, 6% said they had some Gaelic and 7% were fluent in Gaelic: 32 % in all. The launch of e-Sgoil in August 2016 has been an important development for educational
provision in the Outer Hebrides. e-Sgoil uses video technology to allow teachers to deliver classes from their homes, schools or e-Sgoil hubs to schools that are unable to employ staff within a particular subject. It was introduced to improve equity of subject choice in the Outer Hebrides but has been used to provide classes, particularly in Gaelic, to schools across Scotland. More encouraging picture than answers to binary yes/no census question showing 8% could speak, read or write Gaelic in 2011. Same survey in 2015 produced similar data Gaelic skills among young people in the islands: 8% fluent, 7% some Gaelic, 17% a little Gaelic: 33 % in all.

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Cymdeithas yr Iaith welcome appointment of new Welsh language commissioner Aled Roberts

Osian Rhys, Chair of Cymdeithas yr Iaith said that they congratulated Aled Roberts on his appointment to the “vital” role. 
” The Commissioner model has shown its value internationally as a way of protecting other languages, and is succeeding in Wales in various sectors, including the Childrens’ and Older People’s Commissioners,” he said.
“The Government’s plans in their White Paper to abolish the role make no sense, and have been rejected in a public consultation.
“There’s no sense in turning the clock back to an old, failed model that didn’t defend people’s language rights.
“The first thing the new Commissioner needs to do is work with the Government to ensure that the powers in the current Measure are used to the full.
“The Standards system, under the stewardship of the Commissioner, has started to make a real difference on the ground.
“The Commissioner needs to ensure that he and the Government use all the powers they have to implement the current law fully, including extending the Standards to train, bus, water, phone, broadband and energy companies.
“The existence of the Commissioner as a single champion for Welsh means it’s clear who we need to turn to in order to defend our language rights.
“Aled Roberts needs to be a fearless advocate for the language, who will protect its independence from the Government.”

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The Cooish 2018: Helping people to learn to speak Manx

On November 17th and 18th the Cooish, a festival to celebrate and promote the Manx language, took place, and featured a variety of public events and workshops designed to help people use Manx Gaelic in every day life. Adrian Cain, the Manx Language officer from Culture Vannin, helped to organise the festival.

The last couple of weeks have seen a series of language events arranged by Jeebin, The Manx Language Network, to support speakers of the language.

The events are known as the Cooish, a Manx term that has a wide range of meanings, including a cause, chat or affair.
The annual Ned Maddrell Lecture saw the start of the activities and this year’s presentation was delivered by T J O Ceallaigh of Limerick University.
He provided a brilliant overview of the present state of immersion education through Irish and an enthusiastic and large audience, given the torrential rain that day, went home inspired.
It’s hoped that Jeebin can now develop a close working relationship with Limerick University that allows a sharing of ideas and best practice between that institution and the Department of Education, Bunscoill Ghaelgagh and Culture Vannin here.
Last weekend saw a series of events which included a fantastic evening of music, a performance from the new Manx Bard, Annie Kissack, a lecture about the Tourist Industry from Nicola Tooms of Manx National Heritage and a pop-up Gaeltagh in the Café in Marks and Spencer.
It was very rewarding to see so many Manx speakers from a wide-range of backgrounds and ages enjoying using the language in such an informal setting and it demonstrates what a positive future the language has.
The last couple of weeks has also seen fluent and new speakers adopting Manx words from Archibald Cregeen’s Dictionary of the 1830s.
Every day this year Culture Vannin has been posting on Facebook and Twitter a word from his dictionary and during the Cooish we have been encouraging people to adopt, love and cherish a word and in doing so make the link between the world of Archibald Cregeen and the Manx of today.
This has proved to be a fun and light hearted way to engage people and anyone is welcome to adopt a word from the lexicon here, found at learnmanx.com
Contact adrian@culturevannin.im and we’ll get the word in the post to you.
The week also saw the presentation to Dollin Mercer from Manx Radio of the inaugural Londeyr Award given for his use and support for the language whilst the activities will continue this weekend with a Manx Gaelic beach clean.
Much has been achieved with Manx Gaelic over the last 20 years and the enthusiasm shown over the last few weeks demonstrates what an important community asset the language is.
More details are available from the Learn Manx Facebook page, or from learnmanx.com
by Adrian Cain
Language Development Officer
www.learnmanx.com

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Cymdeithas campaigners slap stickers on road signs in protest at lack of translation

According to Cymdeithas yr Iaith Gymraeg, there are hundreds of give way signs in the county which are only written in English.
Over the weekend, the group chose to place stickers with the Welsh translation ‘Ildiwch’ on some of them in order to draw attention to the issue.
It comes as politicians prepare to discuss a damning report by the Welsh Language Commissioner this week, which highlights repeated problems with Welsh language signage in the area.  
However, Wrexham Council has insisted it is not legally required to replace any give way signs which pre-date March 2016, when the Welsh Language Standards were introduced.
Aled Powell, who chairs the Wrexham branch of Cymdeithas,  said: “Since before Wrexham Council was formed in 1996, there has been a legal duty on each authority in Wales to ensure road signs are in both Welsh and English.

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Kuzul ar Brezhoneg (Breton Language Council) new HQ

Kuzul ar Brezhoneg (Breton Language Council) opened new headquarters in Lannuon last November 29th. The Council is formed by 19 associations as Al Lanv, Al Liamm, Hor Yezh, KEAV or Skol Ober.  They are centered in edition, education and interceltic links. The Council was formed in 1959.

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Council under fire over inaccurate Welsh language signs in Wrexham

The Welsh Language Commissioner launched an investigation into the authority after receiving 14 complaints from members of the public.
They included concerns over signs which were only in English on the doors of the former People’s Market and Welsh text being displayed underneath English on a sign below a Christmas tree in Wrexham.
Meri Huws has now taken enforcement action to ensure that any text displayed on signs that are put up is shown correctly in Welsh.
She has also ordered the council to make certain that the Welsh wording is not treated less favourably than English.
In a report which found it had failed to comply with Welsh language standards, Ms Huws said: "The council has been under a duty to comply with these standards since 30 March 2016.
"I note that the mistakes referred to in complaints are often typos or highlight the lack of use of a circumflex accent on permanent signs.
"Whilst I acknowledge that mistakes can happen from time to time when dealing with text on a sign; it appears that where there are mistakes on Welsh versions, there are no mistakes on English versions.
"I acknowledge that the council has developed some guidance and has taken some steps to promote the requirements of the standards amongst staff.
"However, I am of the opinion that the steps taken have not been sufficient, in particular in the context of erecting signs to ensure full understanding of the impact of the standards and the culture change required in order to comply with them.
"It appears that English only signs and signs that treat the Welsh language less favourably that the English language continue to be erected by different departments of the council, and that this is happening when erecting both permanent and temporary signs."

Source

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Collection seeks Irish language speakers in America

Dr. Séamus Dillon of Waterford Institute of Technology in Waterford, Ireland, intends to create a repository of memories, experience(s), interaction etc. with spoken Irish in America. He believes that it is important that these are preserved and protected for future generations and research with the information adding to our understanding of the history of spoken Irish in America and spoken Irish in America today.

The first step in this research is the collection of all this information; focusing on several people:

• People who have memories of spoken Irish in America when they were younger;
• People who have heard stories about spoken Irish in America a long time ago;
• People who spoke/speak Irish in America;
• Anyone who has any information (no matter how small you may feel it be) on spoken Irish in America now or historically.

Dr. Dillon told IrishCentral that he "would really appreciate for you to get in touch if you have any such memories or if you have any knowledge of the use of spoken Irish in America."

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"Manx is far from dead"

I should make it clear from the outset, I am by no means a natural linguist - I’m hard of hearing and I don’t practice as often as I could. I therefore owe a debt of gratitude to those who have enabled me to acquire a little Manx.

Growing up I gradually became aware of how many vestigial Manx words were still in use in our household.

My mother would say a plant was ’skillagalee’ if it was pale and thin, someone was ’kiddhag’ if they were left handed and day-dreaming was called being in a ’jarrood’.
Two of my maternal great grandparents it transpired, had been native speakers. In the 1980s, whilst I was living across the water, my mother made a concerted and successful effort to learn the language.
Come 1990, I had returned home and made an abortive attempt to follow suit, briefly attending night school.
With hindsight, I can see the time and place just wasn’t right.
My interest in things Manx was partly satiated in other ways - for example I collected Manx books and paid an annual subscription to Caarjyn ny Gaelgey.
For a speech at my brother’s wedding in millennium year I learned a Manx toast by rote - and felt a bit of a fraud. I was delighted when my sons had the opportunity to learn some Manx at primary school.
A little over two years ago I finally bit the bullet and began attending a beginner’s conversational class under the auspices of Culture Vannin.
I had both the time and the inclination and my enthusiasm had been buoyed by my eldest sister becoming fluent.
It was a revelation.
The teaching was informal, friendly and a great deal of fun.
Last academic year I chose to undertake the Teisht Cadjin Gaelgagh (GCSE equivalent) at UCM and was pleasantly surprised at the outcome. The diverse demographic of students of Manx also illustrates the fact that the language belongs to anyone who cares to take it up - whatever their age, gender or nationality.
This is a great time to learn some Manx. There are classes, informal groups and events occurring all over the island.
The digital revolution has facilitated a burgeoning of online resources and there are more Manx books available in print than ever before.
The work of The Gaelic Broadcasting Committee together with Manx Radio means you can hear the language on air regularly.
The unqualified success of the Bunscoill Gaelgagh has demonstrated both the advantages of bilingualism and the demand for an education in Manx. Alumni are already making significant cultural contributions.
Learning a little Gaelg will reinforce your emotional bond with the island and bolster a sense of place.
It can enrich your appreciation of history, place names, folklore, music, art and dance.
For many learning Manx has piqued an interest in sister Celtic languages.
The language is integral to our national identity and alongside tailless cats, kippers and motorcycle racing, it raises our profile in the world.
The renaissance of Manx and the wider benefits to this island are a joy to behold.
The harbingers of doom who rushed to sound the death knell have been shown to be mistaken.
What of the future? My elder son has now begun adult classes and I have few excuses for not applying myself better. As they say, cha nel mee agh gynsaghey - I am but learning.

Source

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Council under fire over inaccurate Welsh language signs in Wrexham

The Welsh Language Commissioner launched an investigation into the authority after receiving 14 complaints from members of the public.
They included concerns over signs which were only in English on the doors of the former People’s Market and Welsh text being displayed underneath English on a sign below a Christmas tree in Wrexham.
Meri Huws has now taken enforcement action to ensure that any text displayed on signs that are put up is shown correctly in Welsh.
She has also ordered the council to make certain that the Welsh wording is not treated less favourably than English.
In a report which found it had failed to comply with Welsh language standards, Ms Huws said: "The council has been under a duty to comply with these standards since 30 March 2016.
"I note that the mistakes referred to in complaints are often typos or highlight the lack of use of a circumflex accent on permanent signs.
"Whilst I acknowledge that mistakes can happen from time to time when dealing with text on a sign; it appears that where there are mistakes on Welsh versions, there are no mistakes on English versions.
"I acknowledge that the council has developed some guidance and has taken some steps to promote the requirements of the standards amongst staff.
"However, I am of the opinion that the steps taken have not been sufficient, in particular in the context of erecting signs to ensure full understanding of the impact of the standards and the culture change required in order to comply with them.
"It appears that English only signs and signs that treat the Welsh language less favourably that the English language continue to be erected by different departments of the council, and that this is happening when erecting both permanent and temporary signs."

Source

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Ulster University to introduce Irish language signs at Students' Union

The proposal was given the go-ahead at a meeting of Ulster University's Students' Council on Tuesday.
The Ulster University has four campuses, one in Belfast, Coleraine, Jordanstown and Londonderry.
Each location has their own students' union.
Sinn Fein Senator Niall O Donnghaile said that he wanted to commend the union for their decision.
“This is a positive step forward and reflective of the growing interest in and demand from Irish speakers to carry out their daily routines through the Irish language," he said.
“It’s important that we continue to promote and increase the visibility of the Irish language; linguistic diversity, representing and reflecting languages, not least indigenous languages, are positive economic and social drivers."
Former Lord Mayor of Belfast O Donnghaile said that the move would benefit Irish speakers at the university.
“Irish speaking students are entitled to the same language rights as enjoyed by citizens who live their daily lives through the medium of English and should benefit from the universal advantages that will no doubt flow from this progressive move by the Students’ Union Council," he said.
“Sinn Fein will continue to support the campaign for Acht Na Gaeilge which includes rights and legal protections for Irish speakers in the north, just as exists elsewhere on these islands.”

Ulster Young Unionists have said that they will be opposing the erection of Irish language signs at Ulster University's Students' Unions.

Belfast Telegraph Digital

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Virgin Trains under fire after saying Welsh language announcements ‘not fair

Virgin Trains have come under fire after saying that it would “not be fair” on other languages to provide announcements in Welsh on trains operating in Wales.
A passenger had complained that there were no bilingual announcements during a train journey from Holyhead to Chester.
“I’m afraid we are unable to provide announcements in all other languages, so as Welsh speakers can speak English too, English is the most suitable,” the company said on Twitter.
“Appreciate your frustrations but it is not possible for us to provide train announcements in all other languages and it would not be fair to just additionally provide them in Welsh and not other languages too. Apologies for this.”
Twitter user Aled Gwyn Williams had responded to the message, asking what other languages the company was referring to.
“Wales has two official languages,” he said. “England has one de facto language. And your announcements in Wales should be in both.
“You’re operating in an officially bilingual country whose two languages are equal by law. Act like it.” The company later apologised for its prior messages.

Source

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Manx Gaelic lessons offered to all students

All government run schools on the Isle of Man offer lessons in Manx Gaelic. That’s according to the Education, Sport and Culture Minister who says they’re available from Key Stage 2 onwards.

Graham Cregeen was quizzed on the topic by Garff MHK Daphne Caine who wanted to know more about the Manx language.

In a written Tynwald question he confirmed that 19 pupils took the GCSE equivalent in Manx in the school year 2017/18. Of these three pupils received an A* and, six received an A and two received a B. Two pupils took the A-Level equivalent recording one A* and one A grade.

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Actor Matthew Rhys on why he speaks only in Welsh to his son

Actor Matthew Rhys says he speaks only in Welsh to his US-born young son in the hope he will understand the language for life.

Cardiff-born Rhys, 44, who lives in New York with his family, joked he plans to "force" him to embrace Welsh culture.
He and partner Keri Russell had Sam, two, after meeting on the set of The Americans in 2013.
"I speak to him solely in Welsh," he told the Radio Times. "He can answer and understand at the moment."
In September, Rhys's own accent surprised fans who took to Twitter expressing shock at hearing his native tones after he gave a speech to accept an Emmy for his role in the Cold War drama.

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50 associations claim that if the Breton Government does not double its budget devoted to Breton in 2019, the language is doomed to disappear

Fifty associations* have just sent a joint open letter to the President of the Brittany Region. For them, if the local authority does not double its budget devoted to Breton in 2019, the language is doomed to disappear. It is a cry of alarm addressed to Loïg Chesnais-Girard by fifty associations working for the Breton language. A cry of alarm that takes the form of an open letter and which is based on the results of the sociolinguistic survey on the languages of Brittany conducted by TMO, at the request of the Regional Council. For the co-signatories, if the president of the Brittany Region does not ask the assembly, from 2019, to double the current budget devoted to the Breton language (to quickly reach 1% of the overall regional budget), it will have disappeared at the end of the century. This forecast is based on lessons learned from the TMO survey. Admittedly, this one highlighted the stability of the number of brittophones.

An Drouizig
Ar Falz / Skol Vreizh
Ar Redadeg
Ar sklerijenn – Henbont
Arvorig FM
Bak e Brezhoneg
Bannoù Heol
Bod Kelenn
Bodadeg ar Gouren / Fédération de Gouren
Brezhoneg Bro-Redon
Brezhoneg e Brest
Brezhoneg e Gwened
Bruzhoneg
C’hoariva
Deskiñ d’an Oadourien
Dihun
Div yezh
Divskouarn
Diwan
Edubreizh
Emglev Bro an Oriant
Emglev Bro Gwened
Emglev Bro Karaez
Hent ar Furnez – Gwitreg
Keit Vimp Bev
Kelennerien war ar brezhoneg e rannvro Pariz/Association des professeurs de langue Bretonne de Paris (KBP-APLB)
Kelenn
Kelennomp !
Kenstroll « brezhoneg e bro Roazhon » /Collectif « du breton dans le pays de Rennes »
Kenstroll Breizh
Kevre Breizh
KLT
Kreizenn Sevenadurel Vreizhek Abherve
Mervent
Mignoned ar brezhoneg
OpenStreetMap e Brezhoneg
Poellgor « Bed niverel »
Radio Bro Gwened
Radio Kerne
RAOK – Brezhoneg e Kreiz-Breizh
Roudour
Sked
Skeudenn Bro Roazhon
Skol an Emsav
Strollad 44=BZH
Strollad Ai’ta!
Stumdi
Telenn – Ti ar Vro Sant-Brieg
Ti ar Vro Kemper
Ti ar Vro Landerne Daoulaz
Ti ar Vro Leon
Ti ar Vro Treger-Goueloù                                                                                                                                                           Yezhoù ha Sevenadur

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Breton Language relay race fund several projects with 124,000 € collected

On Saturday, November 10th, in Ti ar vro, in Gwengamp/Guingamp, the official presentation of funding for projects in favor of the Breton language of Redadeg took place. The Redadeg is the relay race that crosses Brittany to promote the transmission of the Breton language and participates in the editing of many projects around the Breton language. In 2018, € 124,000 will have been collected through the kilometers of relays sold to individuals and businesses.

"We are in Ti ar vro for two reasons. The first is that the arrival of the 2020 edition will take place in Guingamp, the second is that Ti ar vro is one of the beneficiaries, "explain the organizers.

Thanks to the € 10,000 awarded by the Redadeg, the leisure center in Breton Ti ar vro is on track, since September 26, in the old school of Castel Pic. Supervised by Kadvael Jolived and two animators, the reception is every Wednesday for thirty children from 4 to 11 years. Seven other projects were supported, such as Radio Kerne for its radio project in Nantes; C'hwi a gano, web series in Breton or Bev.bzh and its social network dedicated to brittophones. The other beneficiaries are An Hentoù Treuz and his teaching tool Breton; Difenn, for his project against inequality; Addes, for a show for children and Mignoned ar Brezhoneg, for the ten years of Taol-Lañs.

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Duaisean na Gàidhlig – The Scottish Gaelic Awards 2018

SCILT’s Gaelic Professional Development Officer Eòghan Stewart was amongst a range of winners at Duaisean na Gàidhlig – The Scottish Gaelic Awards 2018 at the Grand Central Hotel in Glasgow on Wednesday 14^th November.
Eòghan was awarded the prize for Innovation in Education, thanks to his involvement in Gaelic Learners’ resource Gàidhlig Gu Leòr which uses Apple’s Clips app to create short, snappy Gaelic learning videos.
Others honoured included rock legends Runrig who received the Urram nan Gàidheal (Honour of the Gael) Award and Professor Boyd Robertson (formerly of University of Strathclyde) and John Norman MacLeod for their work over many years for Gaelic, but over the last decade together at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig UHI.
The Awards were sponsored by Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Daily Record.

Link

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French court finally accepts Breton language name Fañch

A Roazhon / Rennes French court recognized yesterday the Breton name Fañch. It is a success for Breton movement after legal battle where the name was declared as threatening the unity of the state.

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1st edition of the Breton Cultural Week from 19 to 24 November

From 19 to 24 November, the Université Bretagne Sud (UBS), in partnership with the association Emglev Bro an Oriant, organizes the first edition of the Breton Cultural Week to discover or rediscover the cultural wealth of the region. On this occasion, a fest-noz is held on Thursday, November 22 from 7 pm, Docks 1 and 2 at Pier 9 in Lanester. Also on the agenda, on 23 and 24 November, an international conference "Breton language, minority languages: future and family transmission". Throughout this week dedicated to Breton culture, many free activities are offered on the Lorient campus: tastings, exhibitions, conferences, workshops, selection of books ...

Link

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Manx Gaelic Language festival to take place this weekend

A wide range of events are being held this weekend, to practice, promote and celebrate Manx Gaelic.
The 'Cooish' language festival seeks to provide speakers of all ability levels the opportunity to explore Manx in a relaxed, fun environment.
First up is 'Bee ec Greens' - a gentle introduction to the weekend with an informal dinner, at Green's restaurant in St John's from 7:30.
Nicola Tooms, who has gone from complete beginner to fluent Manx speaker in her adulthood, told Manx Radio what's up next, tomorrow morning (Sat 17)or more information, search Cooish, on social media.

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Thousands take part in Irish speaking marathon

Over 32,000 students took part in the annual #Gaeilge24 challenge today. Students in 340 schools across the country as well as participating groups abroad will take part in Conradh na Gaeilge’s annual challenge in which participants are encouraged to speak Irish for 24 hours.

“Gaeilge24 encourages a positive mindset towards the language in young people, by making it fun and relevant. It gives them an opportunity to see the ways in which they can incorporate Irish into their everyday lives, and leaves them with a positive experience of using the language,” says Dr Niall Comer, president of Conradh na Gaeilge.

Students from every county in Ireland participating in the challenge, which includes students attending English and Irish medium primary and secondary schools, will each receive a certificate for taking part.

Cillian Ó Braonáin, a teacher who organised Gaeilge24 in Coachford College, Cork said: “Gaeilge24 is a great cause for excitement in our school. We hold Seachtain na Gaeilge for the whole week, with Gaeilge24 at the heart of it. It is a great incentive for the students, who get great enjoyment out of it.

“There is always a demand for the wristbands and t-shirts, and the number of students wanting to take part increases every year,” he added.

This year, Gaeilge24 is one of the main school-based events being organised as part of Bliain na Gaeilge and groups across the 32 counties will undertake a challenge at 1.25pm to celebrate 125 years since the beginning of the revival of the Irish language.

Students raise money to pay for the support packs that they receive on the day, and any profit from the day goes towards the registered charity Conradh na Gaeilge to support the promotion of Irish throughout Ireland.

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'Irish Gaelic Language, Resistance and Revival'

Dr. Feargal Mac Ionnrachtaigh's 'Language, Resistance and Revival' tells the untold story of the groundbreaking linguistic and educational developments that took place among Republican prisoners in Long Kesh prison between 1972-2000.

During a period of often bitter struggle between Republican prisoners and the British state, the Irish language was taught and spoken as a form of resistance during periods of imprisonment in the cages of Long Kesh (1972-1976), throughout the blanket protests in the H-Blocks (1976-81), and in the period just after the first and subsequent IRA ceasefires (1994-2000).

The book unearths this story through a series of interviews with prisoners, teachers and language activists, and analyses the rejuvenating impact it had on the cultural revival in the nationalist community beyond the prison walls.

Cultúrlann Uí Chanáin

37 Great James Street, BT48 7DF Derry, Northern Ireland

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Irish language officer appointed for Múscraí Gaeltacht

An Irish language planning officer has been appointed for the Múscraí Gaeltacht in a bid to increase the level of Irish spoken daily in the Mid-Cork region.
Rosaí McCarthy will take up a three-year contract within weeks.

She was previously the language planning coordinator for local development cooperative Comharchumann Forbartha Mhúscraí in 2016-17, and was responsible for putting together the area’s language plan, which was given Government approval in May this year.
According to Census 2016, Múscraí is home to 3,785 people, 4% of the country’s total population in Gaeltacht areas of 96,090.
It emerged that across all Gaeltacht areas, only about 20,600 spoke Irish on a daily basis outside the education system, while a total of 63,664 were fluent.
The Múscraí Gaeltacht encompasses the villages of Baile Mhic Íre, Baile Mhúirne, Béal Átha ’n Ghaorthaidh, Cill na Martra, Cúil Aodha, and Réidh na nDoirí.
Ms McCarthy’s full-time appointment begins at the end of November and she will be responsible for leading the implementation of the area’s language plan, with €100,000 Government funding granted for its administration for its first year.
It is yet to be decided in which office in Gaeltacht Mhúscraí the language planning officer will be based. Although the manager of the co-operative has been based in Cill na Martra, that office may not be used to accommodate the language planning officer.
Comharchumann chairman Jerh Ó hÉalaithe said: “We are looking at options at the moment as to where they will be based.”
A new manager for the co-operative is also due to be appointed shortly after candidates for the vacant post were interviewed last week. Comharchumann committee members met last week to discuss the recommendations of an interview board after the job became available at the end of the tenure of former TG4 reporter Grett O’Connor, who was acting manager.
Ms McCarthy’s job as language planning officer will be focused on increasing the level of Irish spoken in Gaeltacht Mhúscraí.
Mr Ó hEalaithe said: “The aim is to have more people speaking Irish daily in the Gaeltacht.

Read more

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Barristers warn police over Welsh language 'obligations'

Police must not 'shirk their obligations' to offer Welsh language legal interviews, barristers have said.

Standards imposed by the Welsh Language Commissioner include a duty to provide a simultaneous translation service if an interview cannot be conducted in Welsh.
Chief constables in Wales have complained this requirement is 'unreasonable and disproportionate'.
The Bar Council said police objections "do not stack up".
Currently if a Welsh-speaking officer is not available to conduct an interview in Welsh, police forces in Wales offer a "consecutive translation" service.
That means questions asked in English are translated into Welsh, before the response is translated into English.
The Welsh Language Commissioner wants translation to be simultaneously - as is done in court throughout Wales.

North Wales Police's Deputy Chief Constable, Richard Debicki, who leads on Welsh language for all four forces in Wales, said police were "making every effort" to provide a fully bilingual service to local communities.
However, simultaneous translation would require significant investment and could hamper investigations, he said.

BBC

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The Irish language has been reinvigorated as young, secular and accessible

My name is Darach Ó Séaghdha. Don’t let the surname scare you– the gh is silent. So is the dh. However, the Sé has an invisible h tucked in there. It sounds like O’Shay, really.

So how did this happen to me? Well, my parents were, like so many people in south Dublin in the 1970s, very interested in the Irish language and they blessed us all with Irish names. I didn’t care for it much as a child and even less as a teenager; I felt like I spent more time spelling my name out to people than participating in any enjoyable activity. Once I was no longer required to study it, I moved away from the language. This rejection was particularly hard for my father to bear: he was multilingual but Irish was the language he loved best.

As the years went by I started to get a larger sense of missing out on something by abandoning Irish, along with a realisation that my father wouldn’t be around forever. After my wedding when he was too unwell to make a speech, I started re-examining Irish a bit more consciously. And I was delighted with what I found. It was a language full of broad humour, sly rhymes and one-word sonnets. It was loaded with earthy poetry and subversive wisdom. It was a language like my father.

Words like:

Mac Tíre: a wolf, literally “son of the country”;

Smugairle Róin: a jellyfish, literally “seal snot”;

Seordán: a rustling sound made by wind through leaves.

I started keeping a record of the amazing words I was finding in a Twitter account called @theirishfor. Within a few months, radio stations and news websites were putting out stories about the account and thousands of people were following it. I wasn’t an expert on the language but I had found an audience who wanted to feel the pleasure of Irish, away from the scars of school.

The pleasure of Irish in words like:

Seoraí: non-essential extra flourishes in storytelling;

Clannógach: having lovely hair or being very cunning… or both;

Athghnó: a job you have to do again because it was done badly the first time.

@theirishfor led to my first book, Motherfoclóir, a memoir about my father and the Irish language that won the Popular Non-Fiction Award at the Irish Book Awards in 2017. My second book, Craic Baby, takes up where Motherfoclóir left off. After looking back into my own memories and talking about what Irish meant to my Dad, I now wanted to write about what Irish will be like for my daughter (currently two years old) when she starts to experience it. How does this language of medieval kings and fishermen, of bards and peasants fit into a world of online slang and business acronyms, of Google Translate and Duolingo?

 he truth is that Irish is a modern European language and it has new words for new things, some of which are wonderfully clever.

Clever new words such as:

Turscar: Irish for spam email, from a word for dead seaweed left by the tide on a beach;

Éistphéist: an earworm, a tune you can’t get out of your head;

Tliongánach: a Klingon, derived from tlhIngan, the Klingon word for a Klingon.

The Irish language has been overly politicised on this island, especially along religious lines. This is a pity – it’s not this way with Scots Gaelic or Welsh. In the Republic at least, however, a drop in religious participation has not dragged the language down with it. Instead, the language has reinvigorated itself as young, secular and accessible. It turns up in memes, tweets and song lyrics while its critics declare it to be dead. Every week on the Motherfoclóir podcast I talk to people who are doing interesting things with Irish or pertaining to Irish – using it to write computer code, editing Irish language Wikipedia, studying the differences between the English and Irish versions of the constitution, getting new words added to the dictionary – and I’ve managed to share some of these stories in Craic Baby.

For me, our language is a treasure belonging to the people of Ireland and preserving it is as important as keeping Venice afloat is to the Italians. Like Venice, it contains visible history and public art, but also needs to be managed in a way where it can be fit for daily life. I’m happy to be a gondolier.

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