Sir, - Gabriel Rosenstock is to be congratulated on his most interesting letter (August 23rd).
Students of languages should study that letter; and especially those students who are anxious to obtain a sound knowledge of the Irish language, with a view to learning further languages.
How correct he is when he states: "Active bilingualism improves metacognition, strengthens cultural identity and elasticates those skills which are necessary to pick up a third or fourth language".
Many years ago I listened to the famous Siobhan McKenna - God rest her - being interviewed on Radio Eireann, and her description of how she was brought up in an all Irish speaking home in Galway City. She was asked to explain the fact that she could speak six or seven languages, and her answer was that the fact of being fluent in Irish was a great help.
Bail De ar do chuid oibre, a Ghabriel. Is me leitir suimiuil scriabhtha agat go dti an Irish Times le blianta annuas. - Mise.,
Pairc Naomh Breanndain,
Trali.