Sir, - Roibeard O hUrdail (July 17th) bemoans the fact that the Minister for Public Enterprise and those who interview her persist in mispronouncing the word "Luas". They should really be ashamed of themselves. While attendance at courses in media skills seems to be almost a requirement for those who hold public office, they should learn to get their tongues around that voiced velarised dental lateral consonant in words such as "Luas" as well.
The accuracy which Roibeard advocates has its place, but I would hold that an overemphasis on linguistic precision has been a factor in discouraging people from speaking Irish in the past and will do little to motivate the present generation of learners. Enthusiasm rather than accuracy is what is generally needed. I know people who have dedicated their lives to the language, but whose own phonetic aberrations could almost form the material for a doctorate. What distinguishes them is their love and enthusiasm for the language. We need more of their kind. - Yours, etc., Tom Feighan,
Shanakiel, Cork.