Enhancing my Irish Connection through Language

Sometimes referred to as the “Irish Chekhov,” Brian Friel is considered by many to be one of the greatest playwrights of his generation, in both Ireland and abroad. During the five decades that spanned his career, his work demonstrated not only daring artistic approaches, but also a wide range of topics addressed. From political activism to family dynamics, Friel’s plays took chances in form and content, making him a pioneer of his day. Additionally, because his plays were often set in rural towns and his career spanned over half a century, it is often remarked that his work embodied the evolution of the Irish countryside in the 20th century.

Ireland is surrounded by sea, so let’s take a look at ‘focail na farraige’, words describing marine life, sea travel, the waves, the weather and even superstitions…

Finally, another part of the Aran Islands’ identity comes from being a Gaeltacht. Although Oliver Cromwell did arrive on the islands during his conquest of Ireland in the mid-17th century and set up a defensive fort there, he eventually left with his troops. The population of the islands increased afterwards, as some people from the mainland moved to the Aran Islands to escape the reach of the English. Because inhabitants were ultimately less harried by the colonizers, the Irish language was able to persist. Today, Irish remains the first language of the islands.

Just as the Olympics are based on a Greek sporting contest that took place in the 8th century BC, so did Ireland revive an ancient tradition upon becoming a free state in the 1920s. The Tailteann Games, held in 1924, 1928 and 1932, helped establish Ireland on the international stage after coming out of The War for Independence and The Irish Civil War. Although short-lived, the revival of the Tailteann Games promoted Irish culture and art, while encouraging much needed tourism into the country.