In the Name of the Fada – Ashamed!
It took me a little while to take to RTE’s “In the Name of the Fada” which sees American comedian Des Bishop in a bid to become a fluent Irish speaker. Last nights show, featured him returning to America to see what the reactions to his new found language would be… Following the show I was filled with several emotions. I felt hope for the language but most of all I felt ashamed… ashamed of myself. You see, my school days, tried to knock out of me, any passion I would have had for the Irish language. Don’t get me wrong, I still have a love of the language and while I would understand a good bit of Irish, I feel my standard is not what it should be! I can comfortably listen to Irish conversations and follow what’s being said, when I try to speak ‘as Gaeilge’ I clam up and become tongue-tied… Something I’ve never overcome.
What struck me most about Des Bishops visit to America was one particular Korean gentleman he met on his journey. It was amazing: The man in question, who had never been to Ireland, was conversing in fluent Irish. It put me in mind of a recent post on Maria Horan in which she discusses the future of Irish and foreign speakers of the language. The Korean man was case-in-point! I was filled with great pride also… just to see the reach our wondeful language has and the effect it has on people!
Like so many people I have allowed my own personal history to impede my ability to speak what is my ‘native tongue’ – something I am ashamed of… Something that I intend to change! I now intend to begin my own journey to recapture my ability to speak ‘as Gaeilge’… and be proud of the heritage as oppossed to afraid!
Tags: gaeilge, Irish, Irish Culture, Living in Ireland, Society
April 11th, 2008 at 4:34 pm
[...] Histories That Bind Us I am writing this post in response to a recent comment from Patrick James and at the risk of being insensitive. Patrick in an article discussing “In the name of the [...]
April 13th, 2008 at 6:29 pm
I just started watching it online, Patrick, and that episode is next for me. I also felt bad that I didn’t keep up with it after finishing grad school.
Des Bishop is funny and I think it’s a great challenge.
April 20th, 2008 at 8:13 pm
maith an fear a padraig! mise freisin. I just heard of this show but even before it being in the US I seemingly out of nowhere felt immense shame for not being able to speak Irish and allowing English to be my default language!
June 3rd, 2008 at 6:48 pm
I love in the name of fada .
I cupla focal .
and was last year in lettermore or letter mor
and life is like that .
des is very good , he had a webside with imigh leat
slán go foill
August 17th, 2008 at 5:07 pm
Your blog is interesting!
Keep up the good work!
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