The Official Languages Act has been utilised as a tool to escalate the visibility of the Irish language in public areas. This was initially noticeable through the numerous public health warnings during the pandemic, gratuitously provided in both English and Irish. Nowadays, public services all across the country, from bus stops to dustbins, to national history plaques, park announcements, and even restroom doors, showcase bilingual signage.
Every public institution waiting room has become a motley of both languages. Recently, Irish Rail initiated the use of separate Irish and English signs, increasing the jumble of bilingual content. Even the route maps now pair Irish and English in a rather disorganised way.
Just recently, when accessing an EU website, I was confronted with Irish as the default language, which required me to manually switch it to English. Similarly, my emails from the local library and my previous university are topped with Irish texts. It’s clear that a trend is now emerging in public service sectors to feature both languages equally, a development facilitated by relatively obscure legislature.
The situation is exacerbated by the stipulation of the Official Languages Act that any Irish language on signs must take precedence and must be at least as “clear, noticeable or readable” as the English version. The classically stylish approach of printing Irish words in italics or Gaelic script on all road signs seems to defy the Law and is predicted to soon become extinct.
Moreover, it is increasingly typical to find Irish words on new pedestrian signs placed above the English and printed in white against a dark background, while the English text appears in a softer colour and at times in smaller type. The prevailing idea seems to be making English less conspicuous if the prominence of Irish language can’t be lessened.
The Act further demands that 20 per cent of public sector marketing to be in Irish, thereby accounting for the uptick in Irish advertisements on television, radio, podcasts and at the cinema. Additionally, any newly formed state agency must bear a title in Irish. Some examples of this being Coimisiún na Meán, Coimisiún Toghcháin and Tailte Éireann.
I can’t help but wonder if the average citizen can discern the function of these vital state organisations. It’s crucial to understand that such a transition is not only profound but also a relatively recent development; indeed, hardly any of this was in place a mere decade ago.
Like the majority of individuals residing in Ireland, I greatly appreciate the subtle existence of the Irish language in our society, especially as seen displayed on our street signs. However, an unacknowledged and regrettable process of official Gaelicisation is unfolding.
While we like to pretend that Irish is our primary language, until it becomes more widely spoken, should it be granted a spot on every public sign? And more so, should it take precedence over the language used by the vast majority? Your thoughts on the matter are appreciated. Yours truly,
ANDREW O’DONOVAN,
Blackrock,
Co Dublin.