Virtually everyone who finds out I am studying (or WRESTLING with) Irish asks me why. It’s not the most practical language for an American to learn, and what Irish ancestory I may have is pretty remote, to the point that it isn’t even really part of my identity. I already speak English and passable Spanish, which are both incredibly practical right where I live. I’m learning Arabic also, which is probably more practical than Irish too.
Right now, I don’t feel like I need to commit to another major, “practical” language. Irish has been somewhat challenging to me, but it isn’t just an intellectual exercise. I love the sound of it. I love the way the written language looks. Sometimes you pursue things just because you love them, and when is love practical?
It’s been a little difficult because there aren’t a lot of places to go out and just have conversations in Irish (unlike either Spanish or Arabic), and I learn languages mainly by using them. Being able to watch TG4 and listen to Raidió na Gaeltachta on the web has been helpful. I found a Yahoo group that’s also working through Learning Irish by Mícheál Ó Siadhail, the book I was using, so maybe that will help too.
Anyway, why Irish? Why not? ;)
