Orlaith Nic Ghearailt, Seachtain na Gaeilge Manager and Dr Huw Lewis, language revival specialist at Aberystwyth University, discuss what more can be done to promote the Irish language on RTÉ Radio One's Morning Ireland.
This year's theme is, A Ghaeilge, Mo Cheol Thú, which endeavors to explore the links between the Irish language and music. This year's ambassadors are examples of how music and Gaeilge are inextricably linked; Róisín Seoige, singer from Conamara and Conor Curley, Fontaines D.C.
Nic Ghearailt, manager of the festival said that the sheer breadth of events taking place not only in Ireland but also internationally is testament to how dynamic the Irish language scene is at the moment.
Labhair Róisín Seoige ar an gclár, Iris Aniar ar RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta maidir lena ról féin mar ambasadóir Sheachtain na Gaeilge.
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Deir sí freisin gur féile í seo atá dírithe orthu siúd a bhfuil spéis acu sa teanga ach atá gann ar dheiseanna úsáidte agus ar uairibh, an misneach an teanga a labhairt ach freisin, dóibh siúd atá líofa díriú ar cheisteanna a bhaineann le staid reatha na Gaeilge in Éirinn. Chuige sin, beidh imeachtaí spraíúla ar siúl agus agóid faoi thithíocht sna Gaeltachtaí agus deis plé a dhéanamh ar na dúshláin a bhaineann leis an nGaeilge sa chóras oideachais.
Nic Ghearailt says that some of this year's highlights are an Aqua Céilí being held in Dublin, a family fun day in Belfast and a conference on the Irish language in the Convention Centre, where 5,000 young people are expected to attend.
Dr Huw Lewis, language revival specialist at Aberystwyth University spoke about how 20% of the Welsh nation are speaking Welsh, numbers which have been relatively stable for around 40 years. Welsh has become more 'present and visible' in urban areas, in particular, Cardiff. The majority of Welsh speakers are now in the younger demographic, a shift which Dr Lewis says is due to the education system and policy from government. Dr Lewis says Welsh is in 'it's in strongest position ever'.
Faigh amach níos mó faoi fhéile na bliana seo anseo
Find out more about events happening for this year's festival here.
