Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages: Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider WorldSchool of Oriental and African Studies, University of London The Practice of Multiculturalism in Irish-medium Pre-schools: The Revitalization of a Heritage and Minority Language F.Melis Cin

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World • policy of Irish medium pre-schools • Methodology in Irish pre-schools • Mastery of communication • How do they view Irish in a multicultural or bilingual context

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Naionrai are Irish-medium preschools where interaction and communication is established through Irish with the kids : • introduce Irish to very young learners • establish early literacy readiness for Irish • consider the children’s cognitive, social, and psychological development. • include cultural and linguistic aims and aspirations in a bilingual context establishing and affirm Irish identity

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Bord Na Gaeilge and Na Naionrai Gaelacha is the biggest institution that supports naionrai in terms of providing materials, insurance and funding for maintainance, hygiene and safety.

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Stiurthoir, the name given to a teacher in naionrai, is the leader of the class They carry out all tasks in Irish and supplies continous, contexr-based Irish input

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Songs and Rhymes (83%) Story Telling (71%) Home corner/Cuinne Baile (58%) Group games (45%) Card Matching (33%) Drama Puppet Jigsaws

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Mastery and Communicative Competence of Children Comprehension test Production test Imitation test

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World The test have been applied on 225 students selected from both Galltacht (English-speaking) and Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas. 63% of children was from English speaking homes 32% of them heard some Irish as well as English 5% of them Irish as their home language

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World The production test Gaeltacht students scored better than Galltacht students. Only on third of Galetach students were from English speaking homes, the rest were either Irish speaking or bilingual homes. These students scored far lower than their peers. The production really depends on their needs and interests. “is liomsa é” is produced more than “cé leis é seo?” “madra” is produced more than “brogan”

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Comprehension and Imitiation tests The native speakers of Irish were far better than children coming from English speaking homes as a result of great exposure to Irish in their homes and community. Many students go through a silent period before they produce anything in the second language.

The advantages of early immersion Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Shape students’ intellectual ability Shape and promote cultural awareness Acquire both languages better Linguistically become competent Construct positive attitudes towards Irish İntroduced to Irish identity through language

“What does being Irish mean to you?” Material aspects of language Our food is different. The food is most famous in Ireland is patatoes and the drink is Guiness To be Irish means you can have the privilige to wear an Irish jersey at a match Waldron & Pike (2007;243)

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Expressive aspects of language It means that you can talk in your very own language and it is special to have two languages...and you do not only have one way to speak, you have two ways to speak It means that you can learn Irish language ans speak English Waldron & Pike (2007;243)

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World Retaining one’s national identity I don’t think there is much difference between being Irish and being from Britain or America, or Australia. Most of our population speaks English and we listen to and play classical,pop, heavy metal much much more than traditional Irish music. I think the only thing differs being Irish is that we have our own sports and our heritage. But even then, every country has a bit of a history to theri name., so then the onlyu thing thast differs us our own sport. Waldron & Pike (2007;245)

Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages:Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World But also if you are born from a different country, you shouldn’t drop your own culture. I think it is if you are born in Ireland and raised in Ireland, you are fully Irish, you are Irish bred. But say if you are born in France or somewhere, you’dbe French and if you came over to Ireland, you’d still be French because that’s your culture, that’s your country, that’s where you came from, you should not be ashamed of where you came from, you should not want to change it. Waldron & Pike (2007;246)

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Multilingualism, Regional & Minority Languages: Paradigms for ‘Languages of the Wider World