A SPECIAL event will be held in Derry’s Guildhall next week celebrating Bliain na Gaeilge – The Year of the Irish Language.Organised by Derry City and Strabane District Council, Dr Noel Ó Murchadha from Trinity College Dublin will deliver a lecture titled: Perspectives on Developments in Contemporary Irish.
The event will take place at lunchtime, 1pm – 2pm on Friday June 1st.
Dr Ó Murchadha is a leading academic in the field of sociolinguistics and is Assistant Professor at Trinity College Dublin. His research specialises in language acquisition, standardisation and attitudes towards Irish.
Friday’s fascinating talk will explore the diversity of contemporary spoken Irish looking at how the language is evolving both within the Gaeltacht and in urban areas.
Speaking ahead of the event, Mayor of Derry City and Strabane District, Councillor Maolíosa McHugh, himself an Irish speaker, said it was important to mark such a special year for Irish language lovers.
“I am delighted to welcome Dr Ó Murchadha to the city for this celebration of the Irish language. There is a growing community of Irish speakers across Derry and Strabane, and events such as these give us the opportunity to find out more about its origins and evolution as new generations take up the language.
“I would really encourage anyone with an interest in Irish culture and history to come along and hear from one of the leading experts in this area.”
Events are taking pace across Ireland throughout Bliain na Gaeilge, which focuses on five key themes centring on the Irish language, namely the revival of Irish language over the past 125 years and its influence on historic events, the creativity of the language, its vibrancy, the participation of the community and the value of local Gaeltachts.
While Friday’s talk will begin at 1pm, lunch will be served prior to the event from 12.30. The lecture is free to attend however booking is essential. Please book your place before Wednesday 30th May by emailing [email protected] or contacting T: 028 71 376 579
