A chara, - I wonder does Sean Furlong (June 17th) know that English is also a compulsory subject in Irish schools and that there was once a time when English was "crammed" down people's throats in schools. Indeed, only for that, Irish might still be as strong a language (numerically) as, say, Welsh, Catalan, Basque, or any of the other 40 or so lesser used languages in Europe.
Imagine asking one of the eight language minorities in Italy to forgo education in and through their language. English is now only "crammed" down our throats outside the schools.
How does Mr Furlong feel about the hurt and annoyance experienced by Gaeltacht people who are forced to use English every day in nearly every public and civic office in the country? My children, aged eight and three, are forced to speak English to doctors, nurses and dentists all the time. It can be very uncomfortable for them, as their first language is Irish.
As an adult, my dealings with State and public bodies are riddled with this type of denial of linguistic freedom. This situation is replicated all over the Gaeltacht and with Irish speakers outside the Gaeltacht every day of every year. How does this promote the "freedom, tolerance and prosperity" so beloved by Sean Furlong?
The answer is not a simple one and the abolition of compulsory Irish is not the answer. While there may be no Irish monoglots left (except some toddlers who have not yet experienced English), it may surprise Sean Furlong that Irish speakers are still alive and kicking (maybe not hard enough) despite all attempts at linguicide.
We haven't gone away, you know. - Is mise,
Sean O Riain, MA, Rath Cairn, Baile Atha Bui, Contae na Mi.