CONTINUED: More Irish Fun & Update

OK, so to continue from my last post about the Irish language, one of the most interesting things I've learned is that it is seen as both good and bad. It is good because it was reinstated by the Irish Department of Education and is taught in schools and paid for by the government, but is bad because the people see it as a nuisance. Why? I've asked the locals I've met why they don't like learning the language of their country. I've gotten many responses but mainly the students have been forced into learning a language they feel is dead and is not useful today. True, I can understand their point but even knowing a few basic phrases I think would be useful. I see it in my travels; the state is trying desperately to keep this language alive but the younger generation has given up hope on it. As sad as it is, I feel the language will eventually be gone and English will dominate the country's official language. Is this something the Irish want? It's a question that I cannot answer but only think about and I hope that it does not. It is a part of the their culture and they should embrace their culture.

-J. GIBSON