AN INTEREST IN ancient history, an Irish branch of the family tree, the lure of a beautiful language and the opportunity to spend time in a picturesque location are listed as the motivations for why these American and Canadian students decided they wanted to be ‘ag caint as Gaeilge’ for much of last summer.
Following an intensive course in An Cheathrú Rua in Connemara last year, the group of Fulbright scholars were able to speak on camera about their experiences…in Irish.
One American student explains, “In the US, we generally just speak English and I think it is really important to understand that there are other languages in the country, languages which might be less-widely spoken, but which are very important. Truly important.”
The programme was started in recent years by the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht to encourage the growth of the Irish language overseas.
A further 18 students will be awarded with scholarships and will take part in the intensive programme from 20 June to 11 July this summer.
Hands up who feels inadequate?
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