A chara, - While I agree with Brian Cowley (March 2nd) on the dominance of English as a world language, this does not mean that dominant languages should be permitted to smother and extinguish lesser-spoken languages.
However strongly he may feel, it is an undeniable fact that Irish is my native language, that of my parents and of the many generations preceding us. This is also true for thousands of native speakers in the Gaeltacht and elsewhere.
Moreover, many parents and adult learners have decided to reclaim their language. While Irish may have slipped away in a previous generation, they are choosing it as a second language for their children.
With the global threat to thousands of languages, there is a growing acceptance that languages can co-exist side by side. Recent governments, quite rightly, are displaying a new and welcome approach to preserving Irish.
Our political representatives, of all parties, are now aware of the importance of the Irish language as an essential component of an effective presence within the enlarged Europe and are more committed to funding and supporting initiatives enabling a wider use of the language.
The Language Act and the appointment of the Language Commissioner, Seán Ó Curreáin, will ensure that those of us who choose to continue using our first language will receive the courtesy and response that we deserve in dealing with State institutions.
I fully acknowledge Mr Cowley's right to speak English and to receive State services in his language; I would only hope that he and his ilk review their ingrained attitudes and concede that others, as Irish speakers, should expect and receive the same courtesy of service in our language. - Is mise,
LIAM Ó CUINNEAGÁIN, Oideas Gael, Gleann Cholm Cille, Co Dhún na nGall.