The Language of Dublin

The Spire of Dublin, alternatively titled the Monument of Light (Irish: An Túr Solais), is a large, stainless steel, pinlike monument 121.2 metres (398 ft) in height, located on the site of the former Nelson's Pillar on O'Connell Street in Dublin, Ireland. {Wikipedia}

Most people think of Ireland as an English-speaking country, which is technically true. In fact, when American ex-pat friends visit from various places around Europe, they are often relieved to hear English spoken and to be able to converse so easily in shops and restaurants. But what most people don't realize about Ireland is that there is a second language sprinkled throughout the country: Gaelic, or as locals call it, Irish.

Cities and towns around Ireland were named in Irish originally, for instance Dublin was named Dubh Linn, which translates to black pool. Most names have since been anglicised, but some remain almost entirely unpronounceable by visitors. Dun Laoghaire, a popular destination on the south side of the city, is pronounced Dun Leary, and it's always entertaining to hear visitors try to pronounce it as they are looking for directions.

During rule by the English, decades passed when the Irish language was prohibited from being spoken in school, let alone taught, and even some Irish leaders believed the language should be relegated because more economic opportunities for the Irish remained in England or America, where English was the first language.

However, in the 1900's, when the Irish language was only spoken in pockets of rural areas around the country, the Irish Protestants sought

to rescue it from extinction. Now, you'll find traces of the language throughout the country, most notably on every street sign in the Republic. In some places, the Irish version will even be more prominent and the English translation will be below and smaller.

On public transportation, the conductor will always announce the train or bus stops in Irish, and then in English. In fact, for that reason alone, I can recite the translation of every single stop on my train line,

and I have even mastered the pronunciation of particularly difficult words because of this constant repetition.

In parts of the country, the government has designated areas where Irish is now the first language - you have to prove a certain level of proficiency in order to be allowed to buy a house in these areas, and the street signs aren't translated into English. In an effort to revive the language, all-Irishspeaking schools have been funded throughout the country, where each and every subject is taught in Irish. They are becoming increasingly popular and the government has further incentivised enrolment by offering pupils an extra 10% on their national exams if they take them in Irish.

I give walking tours of Dublin, and one of my favourite things to point out to visitors is the use of the Irish language throughout the city. I point out street signs, and we have a ball trying to pronounce the vowelridden words. And we talk about the way society and government here in Ireland are trying to keep the language alive for generations to come. And of course, I make sure all my visitors know how to say at least one or two Irish phrases. We start simple, with dia dhuit, or hello. And equally useful at the end of each tour, slan abhaile, or see you later!