S2 #5 A Life in Irish Literature and Language: A Conversation with Alan Titley

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Alan Titley, renowned author, scholar, translator, and Professor Emeritus of Modern Irish.Together, they explore how learning Irish (Gaeilge) can go far beyond grammar and vocabulary, opening powerful pathways into identity, heritage, and belonging.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.In this conversation, they explore the emotional strength of Irish — from family ties and memory to the profound cultural significance embedded in words. Alan shares insights from his extraordinary career, discussing the evolution of Irish-language literature, the importance of translation, and the enduring relevance of Gaeilge in a globalised world.This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply something to learn — it is something to experience, feel, and live.This Episode Celebrates:* The role of storytelling in learning Irish* The power of etymology to unlock meaning* The emotional connection between language, identity, and heritage* The importance of accessibility and community in language revivalIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from Irish — or unsure where to begin — this episode will inspire you to start again.Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.Podcast NotesA Lifetime Dedicated to the Irish LanguageAlan Titley reflects on his early education in Cork and the formative experiences that shaped his lifelong passion for Gaeilge, leading to a distinguished career as a writer, academic, and cultural advocate.A Prolific Voice in Irish LiteratureAs the author of numerous novels, plays, poetry collections, and short stories, Alan has made an extraordinary contribution to modern Irish literature, including An Bhean Feasa, the longest poem in modern Irish.#Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.The Art and Power of TranslationAlan discusses his acclaimed translation of Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s Cré na Cille, published as The Dirty Dust, highlighting the creative challenges and cultural significance of translating Irish-language works for global audiences.Irish as a Global and Indigenous LanguageDrawing on his experiences in Nigeria and his engagement with global literary traditions, Alan explores the parallels between Irish and other indigenous languages, emphasising their role in cultural identity, intellectual life, and decolonisation.Free Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey:Access free Irish learning resources, stay updated on upcoming episodes, and receive exclusive content.Sign up here:Free ResourcesThe Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adultSlán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na TeanganMore on Alan TitleyAlan TitleyAlan Titley is an acclaimed author, scholar, playwright, poet, and translator. He has made an extraordinary contribution to Irish literature and language over several decades.His celebrated translation of Máirtín Ó Cadhain’s Cré na Cille, published as The Dirty Dust by Yale University Press in 2015, brought one of the most important works of Irish-language literature to international acclaim. His literary achievements have earned numerous honours, including the Children’s Books Ireland Éilís Dillon Award.Alan is Emeritus Professor of Modern Irish at University College Cork and a distinguished member of the Royal Irish Academy. He has also played a significant role in Irish-language broadcasting, including presenting Scéal na Gaeilge on TG4.Since 2003, he has contributed a regular weekly column to The Irish Times, often writing under the pen name Crobhingne, where he offers insightful commentary on language, culture, politics, and contemporary society.Learn more:The Irish Times This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com