His observation of Irish gaining strength among second language learners (such as myself) but shrinking in the Gaeltacht is similar to our situation with Hawaiian, through we have only one “Gaeltacht” – the Ni’ihau community. I read and enjoyed Dr. McCloskey‘s book “Voices Silenced – Has Irish a Future?” An extract from his book is available online. I can add my own observations after spending three weeks in Glenn Colm Cille, Co. Donagal. My wife and I did not observe any younger people using Irish few women in their early 20s who worked at Oideas Gael, either for the school…
In Ireland, an Irish language comeback.
A TG4 executive asserts that interest in the language is due to trendiness, calling it a ‘yuppification’ of the language. I certainly hope that there is more to it than that. Nice to see the numbers growing, however.
Battered dollar hits another low.
If GW doesn’t the the trade deficit and other factors under control soon my European Ph.d. plans are going to end up costing me a lot more than I care to think about. When we visited Ireland in summer of 2002, the exchange rate was about $.94 per Euro; it’s now $1.35. [ via Curry.com ] P.S. Yes, I know the British still use pounds and not the Euro, but the picture is just as ugly there, over $1.90 to the British pound. Ouch.
Hawaiian Music Giant Keali’i Reichel Allows Use Of His Music In Podcast.
Former Apple marketing wiz and current Maui Macintosh evangelist Scott Waters has included Keali’i Reichel‘s breakout recording Kawaipunahele in his most recent podcast, and has received emails from other Hawai’i artists who are willing to allow the inclusion of their music in future podcasts. Reichel has been one of the best selling recording artists and concert draws for the past decade, and is one of the finalists for the inaugural Hawaiian Grammy, which will be awarded this February. Clarification I want to make sure that it is clear that Keali’i has allowed Scott to use his music in his MacHelpMaui…
Bringing Back A Lost Language
[ From the San Jose Mercury, registration required ] With help from linguists, the decendants of the last speaker of Chochenyo are trying to revive the language, and our looking toward our efforts to revitalize Hawaiian for inspiration.
Irish Only Placename Signs In Gaeltacht.
Beginning next March, placename signs in the Gaeltacht (designated Irish-speaking areas) of Ireland will be in Irish only. Some interesting discussion going on as to how this will affect visitors to the area.
Podcasting For Hawaiian Music
I don’t remember exactly when or how I met Scott Waters, but I am certain that there was a Macintosh involved. Scott was a marketing guru at Apple way back when the Macintosh was in its infancy. He moved to Maui sometime after that, which is where we connected. He’s a gifted artist, both in the physical and digital realms, a musician, and a tireless promotor of all thing Macintosh on Maui. Scott has tapped into the podcast revolution started by former MTV VJ Adam Curry and Dave Winer. Just as blogging gave the average web user the power to…
Language Log is a quite entertaining and informative collaborative blog on languages.
It includes a number of of great language blog links that will keep me busy over the Christmas holiday. There was an interesting post that discussed spelling mistakes in a recent article about our college. I’m curious regarding their use of the word “Hawai’ian” for Hawaiian, and emailed our thinking on the the issue. First, Hawaiian words cannot end in consonants, so it’s not a Hawaiian word. As far as I know the glottal is not written in English, so I don’t believe it is an accurate spelling for an English word, either. I don’t know any Hawaiian language instructor…
The Quiet Man to Speak Irish.
It is only fitting that this classic, already translated into a dozen languages, but will be translated into Irish as well. I’ll buy it when it’s available.
It’s Official: I’m going to Sheffield.
I just received notice that my grant applications for travel funds was approved by our Research Council, so barring any unforseen circumstances I will be travelling to Sheffield, U.K. next summer to attend the International Council For Traditional Music World Conference.