aye
2006-11-05 11:43:08
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answer #1
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answered by Royal Racer Hell=Grave © 7
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We call it "Gaeilge" (Gwayl-guh is the closest you'll probably get without hearing someone say it) or just Irish if you're speaking English, and yes it's still spoken. It's the official language of the Republic and some 30,000 people speak it daily, according to the last census. It's compulsory to learn it in school up to the age of 18, and you can't get your Leaving Cert (similar to A levels) if you don't pass the exam. All official government documents are printed in Irish as well as in English, and all roadsigns are in both languages. There are areas called Gaeltachts (Gwayl-tuckts) where it is the everyday language, mostly in the West of the country. It is unfortunately a dying language, albeit dying quite slowly. Most people cannot communicate in it despite 14 years of schooling. It does have a constant presence in Irish culture and life though, many business names and names of organizations, even pubs, derive from Irish words.
2006-11-05 19:47:22
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answer #2
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answered by dm_cork 3
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Yes Catherine, Irish is one of Ireland's two official languages (along with English) and is still fairly widely spoken in the south, west and north west of Ireland. Gaelic is compulsory at school here.
2006-11-05 19:44:30
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answer #3
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answered by Anonymous
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Yes. More commonly in the western counties, such as Connacht. There many of the official governmental signs are even bilingual. The popularity of this ancient language is growing slowly since the EU recently recognized it as an official national language.
Irish was almost stamped out by British oppressors in the 17th, 18th, and 19th centuries. The British royalty was afraid of the superior intelligence and heart of their neighbors in Ireland, so they tried to completely wipe them out (as they tried with many other races) by subjugating them and crushing their will. Irish who insisted on preserving their culture (history and traditions, as well as language) were subjected to rape, murder, impoverishment, imprisonment, and slavery. As with most other of Britain's "subjects," the Irish held out for their rights and have just this century regained much of their land. The British are best known in Ireland, America, and around the world for inflicting their language, their foreign traditions, and various diseases.
Irish is still spoken in Ireland - thanks to brave patriots and their families who held onto their dignity in the face of foreign terrorism.
2006-11-06 15:27:20
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answer #4
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answered by Family Mediator 2
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cinnte. Tá a lán de mo chuid Gaeilge caillte agam anois ach bÃonn a lán daoine i mo bhaile ag caint as Gaeilge am t-am ar fad. Is as DúnGarbháin mé in aice leis an Rinn; gaeltacht mór i bPórt Láirge. How was that? I'm sure there were loads of mistakes there but you get my drift!! I try!
2006-11-06 12:17:21
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answer #5
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answered by oif1983 3
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Its gaelic. yes it is spoken in some areas known as "gaeltacths" and it is also a mandatory subject at school. it is more of a cultural icon than a practical language. and ALL of our signs and placenames are bilingual by the way...
2006-11-08 13:23:06
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answer #6
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answered by Anonymous
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Yes it is but only in the more rural areas. In the cities it's mostly English.
2006-11-07 02:56:03
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answer #7
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answered by Anonymous
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only in parts of Ireland
2006-11-06 17:11:54
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answer #8
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answered by Citizen Mac 6
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