Sir, - One of the obvious reasons why gaelscolaiocht is on the upsurge is the desire felt by many parents to have their children truly bilingual, in Irish and English, and to be immersed in an environment which exudes idealism and commitment. Active bilingualism improves metacognition, strengthens cultural identity and elasticates those skills which are necessary to pick up a third or fourth language.
Might it be, I wonder, that Irish and English are processed in different parts of the brain? It's an intriguing and plausible theory that deserves serious study. There have been many instances of bilinguals who, having suffered a stroke, were left with an active use of only one language. It should be possible to collect data on this phenomenon. If other tests substantiated the theory it could have some very interesting implications for us all. - Is me agat, go buioch beannachtach.
Gleann na gCaorach,
Co Atha Cliath.