The Politics of Irish Language: Gaeilge (Never Gaelic)

November 29, 2014

I was going to write about the politics of the Irish language (Gaeilge) in the North of Ireland/Northern Ireland (see? in trouble already).

But I won’t.

Curry my yoghurt. Funny on one level, deadly serious on another. — Curry my yoghurt. Funny on one level; deadly serious on another.

The topic’s just too hot to handle (see what I did there?)

Recent news about the Irish language in that part of the island of Ireland is a reminder that language everywhere has powerful political and cultural dimensions. Language is a deadly serious business that can raise passions of the heart that no head can rationalize.

Still, on the subject of Gaeilge, it’s great to see how the Duolingo mobile is helping to spread Irish language learning elsewhere.

I bet that news fires up the passions too, huh?

Duolingo mobile app helps increase Gaeilge learning worldwide.

As far as I’m concerned, whatever your views, just don’t call it Gaelic.

Ultan Ó Broin

Ultan Ó Broin (@localization), is an independent UX consultant. With three decades of UX and L10n experience and outreach, he specializes in helping people ensure their global digital transformation makes sense culturally and also reflects how users behave locally. Any views expressed are his own. Especially the ones you agree with.