Language barrier

Three non-national Irish speakers tell of their interest in the language.

Victor Bayda (25), Russia

How long in Ireland? Studying for a term in Trinity College

Why Irish? I am a linguist and Irish is unique among the European languages. This is what took my interest but I have now come to love it.

How did you learn it? I first learnt Scottish Gaelic, but when I entered Moscow State University Irish was the only Celtic language taught there.

How do you find Irish people's attitudes towards the language? The only word is unfortunately a harsh one, hypocrisy. Ireland is celebrating the centenary of two of its great writers. Samuel Beckett can be seen everywhere. No one, however, outside the Gaeltacht or the Conradh's bookshop seems to have heard of Máirtín Ó Cadhain.

Tracy Francis (32), South Africa

How long in Ireland? 5½ years

Why Irish? I wanted to become a national school teacher and it is an essential requirement.

How did you learn it? Two courses in Conradh na Gaeilge

Did you find it an easy language to learn? No, there was no opportunity to hear it spoken in Dublin.

How do you find Irish people's attitudes towards the language? There is not a positive attitude towards Irish amongst Irish people in Dublin, in fact it's very negative. Whenever TG4 comes on the TV my housemates switch it off immediately.

Cóilín Ó Floinn (28), USA

How long in Ireland? Six years

Why Irish? I was born in New York and was exposed to a little bit of Irish at home. I always wanted to learn Irish and when I got the opportunity, I gave it everything I had.

How did you learn it? At New York University I got the opportunity as part of my degree to learn Irish from a native speaker from Gaoth Dobhair. I now teach in Gaelchultúr in Temple Bar.

How do you find Irish people's attitudes towards the language? My colleagues and friends are Irish speakers so their attitudes tend to be positive. Occasionally I come across negative attitudes but I don't pay too much attention to them.