Irish language: Difference between revisions
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'''Irish''', (Ir. ''Gaeilge'') is the original language of the Celtic peoples of [[Ireland (state)|Ireland]]. | '''Irish''', (Ir. ''Gaeilge'') is the original language of the Celtic peoples of [[Ireland (state)|Ireland]]. It is a Celtic language of the Goidelic branch, and is related to Scots Gaelic, Welsh, Manx, Cornish, and other early languages of the [[British Isles]]. While for many centuries it was the primary language of of Ireland, and possesses a rich literature, it is now the natural (as opposed to the learned) language of only a small minority of the Irish people, primarily in the west of Ireland in a region known as the [[Gaeltacht]]. Nevertheless, it remains an official language of the Irish state; its teaching is mandated in public schools, and knowlede of it is required for Civil Service examinations. | ||
Revision as of 11:33, 21 May 2007
Irish, (Ir. Gaeilge) is the original language of the Celtic peoples of Ireland. It is a Celtic language of the Goidelic branch, and is related to Scots Gaelic, Welsh, Manx, Cornish, and other early languages of the British Isles. While for many centuries it was the primary language of of Ireland, and possesses a rich literature, it is now the natural (as opposed to the learned) language of only a small minority of the Irish people, primarily in the west of Ireland in a region known as the Gaeltacht. Nevertheless, it remains an official language of the Irish state; its teaching is mandated in public schools, and knowlede of it is required for Civil Service examinations.