Should Irish People Speak The Irish language? 1970

Vox pops with people about the Irish language and its use at home and abroad.

A number of people give their opinions on the Irish language and its use at home and abroad. They also discuss the degree to which speaking Irish makes you more Irish. Many of those interviewed question the value of the language, while others would love to be able to speak Irish.

One man comments

If we do learn Irish... who do we speak it to?

Another woman says

You can’t get anywhere with it except for a government job

Another woman questions reporter Jim Sherwin about why the interview is not being held in Irish if it is in fact a modern language.

‘What People Say’ is the first episode in the series ‘Watch Your Language’. It is a programme in English about the Irish language and its place in Irish life. It examines the problems and possibilities of its restoration.

This episode of ‘Watch Your Language’ was broadcast on 13 January 1970. The presenter is Jim Sherwin.