John Walsh's book on the Irish Language

John Walsh of Fiontar has recently published a book entitled 'Díchoimisiúnú Teanga: Coimisiún na Gaeltachta 1926'. The book is based on his research of the Irish language and the Gaeltacht Commission report of 1926 which covered the public comprehension of the Irish language and the economic viability of Gealtacht regions.

The 1926 report dealt with the geographical concentration of Irish speakers in the country and expressed concern at the demise of Gaeltacht areas such as in east Sligo, south Kilkenny, southwest Cork and much of Mayo.

'It aims to provide a historical context for anyone who is concerned about the current state of the Gaeltacht, and to illustrate that the problems still being discussed today were a cause for concern more than 75 years ago'. John goes on to say, 'The book is topical because another Gaeltacht Commission, set up in 2000 with similar aims, is about to publish its findings'.

The book is bilingual; this reflects the original transcripts from the 1926 report. The original report comprised 26 meetings organised throughout the country and over 100 Irish speakers interviewed.

The book can be order through the publisher's website
http://www.coislife.ie/eng_academic.htm

For further information
An Ghaeltacht
Irish Language

To contact the author
E: John.Walsh@dcu.ie
T: 8440