Blog 3: Why wouldn’t you learn Irish? Exploring the creative possibilities of language learning
Claire Dunne has been Head of the Department of English and the Department of Irish at Marino Institute of Education since 2022. She has worked as a lecturer in Irish and a translator at the same institution for the past 17 years.
Previously, she was a primary teacher and worked as a translator for the company Sanas. She holds an MA in Intercultural Studies and a PhD in Applied Linguistics. She is very interested in the learning and teaching of Irish.
Learning or acquiring another language is an enriching experience that gives us different windows on the world. It allows us to tap into our creative self and explore different facets of our identity. The following series of blogs will examine the varying ways that Irish can contribute to our creative selves.
In her latest blog, Dr Claire Dunne, Head of English and Irish at Marino Institute of Education, continues her series on the creative role of language.
Why wouldn’t you learn Irish? Exploring the creative possibilities of language learning
Learning Irish impacts on many dimensions of our identity and our relationships with others. The language journey doesn’t stop at the school gates but can include other important people in our lives.
Learning Irish is important for classroom relationships and wellness
The Irish lesson is a space during the week where children can speak about their own lives and experiences. Think about some of the themes that are woven into the teaching of Irish – Mo chaitheamh aimsire, Mo mhuintir. These themes create important opportunities to develop self-awareness, and to acknowledge the diverse experiences children have within and outside of school.
Learning Irish provides opportunities for parental and family involvement
When children begin formally learning Irish in primary school, parents and families also have the opportunity to engage and / or re-engage with the language. Sharing experiences of learning Irish, or another language, can support a child’s language journey. Try some of the playful activities at home that are in the resource Gaeilge sa Bhaile.
Learning Irish is important to get to know yourself and others
Speaking or using another language allows you to get to know another side of yourself. It offers the potential to develop more creative and linguistic talents. Sometimes you are less articulate or funny in an additional language compared to your mother tongue, but this is a rich and humbling experience getting to know this more vulnerable part of yourself. It can help you relate more to other additional language speakers.
Speaking Irish connects you to other generations of Irish speakers, and also helps you become part of an international community of plurilingual speakers. Learning Irish provides opportunities for creative growth and can impact positively on many dimensions of our life and development.
So why wouldn’t you learn Irish?
