Irish Language Decline & Ireland’s Globalization Success
The Irish Language: History, Decline, and Revival
1. Defining Language
Language is the primary means of communication with which people express their ideas, feelings, and information. It is not only speaking; it also creates a sense of identity (group cohesion) and serves as historical memory. It is a factor that differentiates people.
2. What is Irish (Gaeilge)?
Irish is a Celtic language, part of the group that includes Scots Gaelic, Welsh, Breton, Manx, and Cornish. It belongs to the larger Indo-European family of languages.
It is one of the oldest written languages in Europe and was spoken universally in the past.
(Note: Languages typically evolve through stages: primitive, old, middle, and modern.)
3. Why Did the Irish Language Decline?
The decline began in the 16th century with the arrival of Tudor kings from England, leading to English becoming more important in politics and administration.
- 17th Century: The old Irish upper class lost its power and stopped supporting the language.
- Plantations: The introduction of a new ruling class created a significant social division.
- 19th Century (1831): The creation of the National School System established English as the language of education.
- Great Famine: Caused by the deaths and emigration resulting from the Famine, main Irish-speaking regions (Gaeltacht) began to disappear.
However, some politicians did protect the Irish language.
4. Efforts at Revival
Strong efforts to save Irish occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries:
- The Gaelic League: Founded by figures like Douglas Hyde, it promoted the language and revived Irish culture.
- Nationalism: The revival movement became closely linked with Irish nationalism and the idea of Gaelic Ireland.
- Gaeltacht Areas: Specific areas where Irish was still predominantly spoken were officially recognized and protected.
- Education: Irish became obligatory in schools.
5. Current Situation of Irish
Irish is one of the official languages in Ireland. Around 1.8 million people report speaking it, but only about 70,000 use it everyday.
While Irish is still taught in schools, it is generally not required for most public sector jobs. Gaeltacht areas persist, and the language receives support through media (e.g., radio, TG4 television channel).
Ireland and Globalization: Economic Transformation
1. What is Globalization?
Globalization means that countries are increasingly connected. People, ideas, goods, money, and services move more easily between countries, facilitating faster and cheaper evolution and information sharing.
2. Historical Context
For many years, Ireland was closely connected with Britain and its empire. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Ireland sold products like meat, butter, and wood to Britain and other countries. Irish currency was pegged to Britain’s until 1979. Furthermore, many Irish people emigrated to other countries, especially to the U.K. (more than 10 million).
3. Ireland Before Globalization (1920–1950)
After becoming independent, Ireland attempted to be self-sufficient. The Government imposed high taxes on imports and prevented foreign companies from entering. Consequently, the economy was growing slowly, achieving only 1% growth per year. Emigration peaked, with over 1 million people leaving the country in the 1950s.
4. Opening the Economy (1950–1980)
In the 1950s, a man called T.K. Whitaker wrote a pivotal report suggesting major changes. These included:
- Opening trade with other countries.
- Reducing taxes and trade barriers.
- Inviting foreign companies to invest in Ireland.
These policies helped Ireland grow, shifting the economy dramatically from farming to high-value sectors like pharmaceuticals, technology, and finance.
5. Key Pro-Globalization Policies
Ireland continued its strategy of opening to the world:
- 1973: Joined the European Economic Community (EEC).
- 1979: Joined the European Monetary System (EMS).
- 1999: Adopted the Euro (€).
- 2002: Set a low corporate tax rate (12.5%) to attract international companies.
6. Results and Consequences of Globalization
The economic opening yielded significant results:
- More than 1,800 foreign companies operate in Ireland.
- These companies provide jobs for approximately 500,000 people.
- Corporate taxes paid by these companies significantly aid the Government.
- Ireland exports many goods and services globally.
7. Social and Cultural Changes
Globalization has led to:
- Increased multiculturalism.
- A growing problem of wealth disparity (rich/poor division).