The Irish Language
Miguel B
'Irish' isn't only the people and culture of Ireland. It's also includes the language spoken in Ireland together with English. Irish is a Celtic language like Scottish Gaelic, Manx Gaelic, Welsh, Breton, Cornish, and the rest of the other Celtic languages that died around 1,500 years ago.
It is believed that the Irish language has been used for over 2,500 years, spoken around Ireland and also in Scotland, the west coast of Britain, and the Isle of Mann.
Through the years, the use of Irish has declined and English has taken its place.
'Will I have to learn Irish if I go to Ireland to study/work?' - Of course not. As a foreigner on a temporary stay, you won't be really exposed to the Irish language unless you move to the countryside with a traditional family.
Most Irish in the cities only speak English in their daily lives. Though the Irish do study Irish at school for a while, it's English they speak all the time and they will address to you in English as well.
However, if you're deciding to spend a few months or years in Ireland, you should know that both Irish and English are commonly written together in official documents and on signs such as street names or opening hours. Also, as both languages are so far from each other, it'll be very easy for you to distinguish which one is Irish :)
I encourage you to learn some basic words of Irish, as you will probably hear them during your stay!
Hello/Good morning: Dia dhuit [literally 'God be with you']
Goodbye: Slán
Cheers: Sláinte ('health')
Dublin: Baile Átha Cliath ('town of the hurdled ford')
