Ghaeilge

Ghaeilge is the Irish language, also known as Irish Gaelic. It is an Insular Celtic language and the oldest of the Celtic languages. Ghaeilge is one of the two official languages of Ireland, alongside English. It is also recognized as a minority language in Northern Ireland and is one of the official languages of the European Union.

The language has a long and rich history, with evidence of its use dating back to at least the 4th century AD. It evolved from Primitive Irish and is part of the Goidelic branch of the Celtic language family, which also includes Scottish Gaelic and Manx. Historically, Irish was spoken throughout Ireland. However, its usage declined significantly over centuries, particularly from the 17th century onwards, due to various socio-political factors including English colonization and the Great Famine.

Despite the decline, efforts to revive and promote Ghaeilge have been ongoing for over a century. It is taught in schools across Ireland, and there are numerous cultural organizations dedicated to its preservation and promotion. While English is the predominant language of daily life for most people in Ireland, a significant number of people identify as Irish speakers. The Gaeltacht regions, primarily in the west of Ireland, are areas where Irish is still spoken as the community language. Ghaeilge continues to be a vital part of Irish identity and cultural heritage.