1. Teaching of Second Languages in the Context of the National Policy of Language Maintenance in Ireland, 1960-1970.
- Author
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O'Huallachain, Colman L.
- Abstract
This paper surveys the teaching of second languages in Irish primary and post-primary schools. In the centralized primary school system, with primary teacher-training directed towards state-controlled qualifying examinations, government policy now favors the teaching of Irish side by side with English (also an official language). With the establishing of the Linguistic Institute of Ireland, a linguist was commissioned to outline a procedure permitting the production of materials for teacher training and remedial work. When trained personnel are available, further work will proceed to improve guidance and materials for teaching English in Ireland. The urgency of the task of saving the Irish language from extinction has so far directed most activities in applied linguistics and pedagogy toward improving the teaching of it as a second language in the greater part of the country where it has been superseded by English. "Buntus Gaelige" [Foundation-Beginnings in Irish], the results of the linguistic inquiry, is now officially presented throughout the entire school system with the aid of graded courses for the teaching of Irish as a subject from entry into primary schools up to the highest standard (4,500 primary schools outside the Irish-speaking areas). A special course for secondary level is also available. Interdisciplinary three-year programs are being planned. (AMM)
- Published
- 1970