Episode 21: Gaeilge Galore

It is a curious and rarely noted fact of history that the Irish, famed for their colourful use of English, actually have their own native tongue – Gaeilge, anglicised as Irish or Gaelic – which is utterly foreign to English and was only two centuries ago still the dominant language in Ireland. Sadly, a long series of tragedies and injustices beset the Irish, bringing Gaeilge to the brink of extinction, such that today it is spoken by only a tiny fraction of the population. Despite some hopeful signs of a mighty rebirth, the situation remains dire. Today's episode will be of primary interest to the Irish, but all are most welcome to join the rendezvous as we take a look at the past, present and future of Gaeilge, celebrating the beauty of this most precious element of Ireland's ancestral heritage. We discuss the factors holding the language back from widespread adoption and make the case that Irish in the twenty-first century stands at a crossroads, and the choices of every single Irish soul shall determine its destiny. If we can learn to love our forgotten voice, we just might be reborn.