IRISH LANGUAGE

Origin and Evolution of Irish Language

Origin and Evolution of Irish Language

Introduction

One of the oldest living languages in Europe, Irish is found in inscriptions from Ogham dating back to the third and fourth century. It was a usual written medium of communication in the early Christian. Much of knowledge regarding intricacies of 'old Irish' has been derived from the engraved margins of their manuscripts. Another form of early writing was Ogham. It consisted of a code of strokes and dots forming the letters, and usually emblazoned on the edges of stones. These stones can still be found in large quantity with names of people as a memorial. These stones were founded to honor the death of warriors and rulers (Lavin 2010, Pp. 1-2).

Irish generally has diminished and is used only in small parts of Irish only, a group of countries commonly known as Gaeltachai. Although, in the early times, Irish was spoken in daily life all across Ireland, so that so, that it is even used in literature and was widespread in different portions of Scotland. Gaeltacht areas are places in the west of Ireland, rather the only places, where Irish language is spoken by local people in their daily lives (Foley 2008, P. 1-3). In addition to language, Irish customs, traditions, folktales, song, music, and dance are very much practiced there. Also, Irish language is been taught there in summer and is part of students curriculum. Though the language has largely diminished, yet, Gaeltacht areas are the parts of Ireland where the unique 'Irishness' can be experienced along with their cultural norms and values (The Gaelic Language 2008, Pp. 3-4).

Origin

Irish was originated by Celtic people sometime between 3000 and 1200 BC and brought to Ireland. Celtic people inhabited Central Europe some three thousand years ago. Much of knowledge regarding intricacies of 'old Irish' has been derived from the engraved margins of their manuscripts. It remains the first fragments of written language engraved on stones in Ogham script. After Christianity, these old engravings were created in Bible and illuminated manuscripts copied by monks. Ireland was invaded numerous times in history whilst, no factual evidence remains alive to prove it. However, history directs to various specific events such as 'The great Plague' and 'The great flood' alongside methodological events. Parthalon, Tuatha De Danann, Fir Bolg, Milesians, Picts were the invaders of Ireland in the Pre-Celtic era (Brooks 2008, 1-3). These invaders were all dwellers of Ireland. Whereas, when Ireland was invaded by Cellts, it was a land of diverse populaces, numerous languages, cultures, values and morals were being practiced. Although, the population was small yet, the pre-celtic language and morals carry considerable influence on the modern day Irish language.

8th century AD was followed by the pillaging of Ireland by Norse Vikings. Finding Ireland so congenial, and affable, the Vikings founded the city of Dublin in Ireland.

Evolution

Middle Irish

These invasions led to a long term impact between eighth and tenth centuries when traditional Irish was evolved into modern ...