I hate to sound like a scratched record, but no postive news from Ireland today, though there is continued discussion on our case. Conn and Deputy Ruairi Quinn continue to champion our cause, not only for our benefit but to shed light on the inadequacy of and lack of clarity in policies related to dependent families of students traveling to Ireland. Conn and TD Quin appeared in a forum on KCLR radio in Kilkenny this morning, I’m sorry that I did not have time to post a link before the show. (Update: Ken McGuire has posted audio of the discussion. Mahalo Ken!)
I learned that our letter of appeal has reached the office of the Gardai Superintendent. I have no idea when he may read it or take action. I have been counseled not to get our hopes too high that he will reverse the decision.
Ray O’Hanlon of the Irish Echo called to see how we were doing and to see if there was any progress. It feels good when a reporter shows more genuine interest in you and your family and not just a story. He will follow up with the NY consulate and press for a statement.
Update #1, 1:30PM EST. It is 6:30PM in Ireland and I’ve received no encouraging word from there at all. It will be a long weekend as we await news and developments on Monday, but are going to try to get together with some of our Donaghy relatives in Philadelphia this weekend as we have mostly been hanging out with the Moore’s (my mother’s side) since arrival. We will be looking for futher educational opportunities for Malia as well and take advantage of what Philadelphia has to offer.
You may not remember me, but we used to exchange emails. You helped me with my ‘olelo Hawai’i. I eventually went to Hilo and studied with two students for 3 weeks and have continued on my own here. Recently, Kumu Kamaka moved here and he is now helping me.
In the meantime, I am working on Chaps 4 and 5 of my dissertation in Second Language Acquisition at Florida Atlantic University.
Having read your blog, I have the impression that the Irish government is frightened of you, maybe because the Kaiapuni classes in the ‘olelo maoli have been so successful. It may be that the powerful in Ireland are not truly interested in a revival of their native language.
I have been volunteering time at the Mayan Mission, where we are trying to help speakers of Kanjobal and Mam retain their language – but it is arduous work because many people here don’t want them to do so, including the Protestant churches who want them to learn Spanish (not English)! Sometimes the power of language politics is incredable. For a good understanding of this, read Mikkel Blakar’s Sprog er makt which he wrote in the minority language, Nynorsk. He teaches at the University in Oslo. He has been a good guide to me in my dissertation, esp on the politics of language instruction.
Me ke aloha
na’u Lopaka