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OPINION PIECE
Ancient Language : Forbidden Tongue
“Tír gan Teanga Tír gan anam”
A country without a language is a land without a soul
As many scholars have noted, countries that were once colonized then go on to imitate the very worst tendencies
of their former masters, once independence arrives. In Ireland, it would appear – just as in African countries – a
political elite unaware of their folly, have an unfortunate tendency to squander the resources and fail the people. Just as
it was outlined over half a century ago by Franz Fanon in the classic, Black Skin, White Masks – the Irish were once as
stigmatised around the world as other oppressed peoples. Today, “Irishness” has become a curiously popular commodity
– on Patricks day of course, everyone is Irish!
But Irishness, is not something that exists as a trope of image and sound byte – the pint of Guinness that for a country
suffering generations of alcoholism, no longer serves. The Irish have a reputation for celebration and knowing how to
have a good time, but all too often this leads to the morning after. One may observe that with such a history as ours, it
is common for one to wish to forget the past – but if, by an seeming cultural duty of inebriation, one fails to envision a
future, it is clear that one is losing ones way! To see clearly and act effectively, requires sobriety and a willingness to break
from the habits of one’s peers. Too long has Ireland trodden a path of imitation, unwilling or unable to foist the bonds of
self determination on her own terms. By butchery, by necessity and by default; the language of Ireland became the English
language.
Donegal North-West [Rathcairn]
Donegal South-West
Mayo North-West
Mayo North
Galway North
Galway West
(with Aran Islands)
Kerry Noth-West Waterford West
Kerry West Cork, South-West
Cork, Cape Clear
Where Irish is spoken today
209
Ancient Language : Forbidden Tongue
“Tír gan Teanga Tír gan anam”
A country without a language is a land without a soul
As many scholars have noted, countries that were once colonized then go on to imitate the very worst tendencies
of their former masters, once independence arrives. In Ireland, it would appear – just as in African countries – a
political elite unaware of their folly, have an unfortunate tendency to squander the resources and fail the people. Just as
it was outlined over half a century ago by Franz Fanon in the classic, Black Skin, White Masks – the Irish were once as
stigmatised around the world as other oppressed peoples. Today, “Irishness” has become a curiously popular commodity
– on Patricks day of course, everyone is Irish!
But Irishness, is not something that exists as a trope of image and sound byte – the pint of Guinness that for a country
suffering generations of alcoholism, no longer serves. The Irish have a reputation for celebration and knowing how to
have a good time, but all too often this leads to the morning after. One may observe that with such a history as ours, it
is common for one to wish to forget the past – but if, by an seeming cultural duty of inebriation, one fails to envision a
future, it is clear that one is losing ones way! To see clearly and act effectively, requires sobriety and a willingness to break
from the habits of one’s peers. Too long has Ireland trodden a path of imitation, unwilling or unable to foist the bonds of
self determination on her own terms. By butchery, by necessity and by default; the language of Ireland became the English
language.
Donegal North-West [Rathcairn]
Donegal South-West
Mayo North-West
Mayo North
Galway North
Galway West
(with Aran Islands)
Kerry Noth-West Waterford West
Kerry West Cork, South-West
Cork, Cape Clear
Where Irish is spoken today
209
