(Béarla thíos / English below)
Ceann de na gnéithe is tábhachtaí de Phlean Teanga Leitir Ceanainn ná freastal ar an aos óg; níl ann don phobal gan daoine óga, agus tá sé ríthábhachtach go bhfuil daoine óga páirteach agus glórach sa phlean seo. Lámh ar lámh le pobal Leitir Ceanainn, beidh an Líonra ag cur plean teanga i bhfeidhm: spreagfaidh seo úsáid na Gaeilge i gcúrsaí sóisialta, cultúrtha agus eacnamaíochta, ag tacú le gach leibhéal teanga. Beidh an Líonra ag obair leis an phobal chun an Ghaeilge a neartú agus a fhorbairt anseo i Leitir Ceanainn; is í ár dteanga í, gné thábhachtach dár fhéiniúlacht agus lárnach i gcultúr comhaimseartha na tíre.
Tuigeann muid go bhfuil ceangal nach beag idir an pleanáil teanga agus an glúin óg. Is foinse ionsparáide agus eiseamláir sibh do gach duine, idir aosta agus óg, agus tá muid ag iarraidh ceannasaíocht agus freagracht a spreagadh ionaibh sa phlean. Tá an-tionchar agaibhse ar bhur dteaghlaigh, ar bhur gcairde agus ar bhur bpobal féin. Tríd taighde a rinneadh do phlean teanga Líonra Leitir Ceanainn, aithníodh go raibh an-suim ag formhór an phobail sa Ghaeilge, agus go háirithe ag daoine óga. Le tacú leis an teanga agus leis an phobal, beartaíodh imeachtaí agus scéimeanna bunaithe ar na tuairimí léirithe sa taighde seo. Chun guth a thabhairt do dhaoine óga, beidh Líonra na nÓg bunaithe: tabharfaidh seo cumhacht do dhaoine óga sa phróiseas pleanála teanga agus beidh sibhse mar dhaoine óga á gcumasú. Coiste de dhaltaí scoile, cuirfidh siad moltaí go Coiste Líonra Leitir Ceanainn. Nuair is féidir, beidh turais á reáchtáil fosta, agus an nasc le ceantair Ghaeltachta Dhún na nGall neartaithe. I rith an ama, cuirfear béim ar an Ghaeilge mar theanga bheo, bhríomhar, taobh amuigh den chóras oideachais.
Cé go bhfuil bac curtha ar chuid de na himeachtaí de bharr na paindéime, beidh neart deiseanna le tapú ar líne san idirlinn. Coinnigí súil ar na meáin shóisialta: tá ranganna Gaeilge agus ciorcail chomhrá á gcur ar fáil agus beidh muid ag bunadh lárionaid, ag cruthú spás fisiciúil don Ghaeilge agus do lucht tacaíochta na teanga i Leitir Ceanainn. Coinneoidh muid sibh ar an eolas maidir le deiseanna agus imeachtaí eile a bhaineann leis an Ghaeilge: i mí an Mhárta, beidh modúl do mhic léinn idirbhliana ar siúl curtha ar fáil ag OÉ Gaillimh. Múinte ag plúr na n-iriseoirí teilifíse, raidió agus digití, tá an cúrsa dírithe ar dhaltaí Iar-bhunscoileanna Gaeltachta agus Lán-Ghaeilge ar fud na tíre.
Cuirfear na bearta sa phlean i bhfeidhm thar seacht mbliana, ag freastal ar riachtanais agus mianta an phobail i leith na Gaeilge. Ní tharlaíonn pleanáil teanga d’aon bhuile amháin, ach le gníomhartha beaga a athraíonn noirm úsáide teanga de réir a chéile: a bheith neamheaglach, agus rudaí cosúil le Gaeilge a labhairt lenár gcairde. Tá crógacht agus muinín i gceist leis seo. Mar sin de, tarlóidh an próiseas pleanála teanga ar bhonn leanúnach agus go fadradharcach: leis an fhreagracht roinnte, tiocfaidh borradh faoin Ghaeilge i Leitir Ceanainn. Tá muid ag iarraidh caidreamh a thógáil libhse, agus go nglacfaidh sibhse seilbh ar bhur bplean féin: is fiú go mór smaointe úra teacht chun cinn. Cad iad na féidearthachtaí a fheiceann sibhse? Cad iad bhur mbuanna agus bhur suimeanna? Níl muid ach ag cur tús leis an chomhrá, agus ba bhreá linn bhur gcuid tuairimí agus bhur ionchur a chloisteáil – má tá aon cheisteanna nó smaointe agaibh, seol iad go bairbre.cpt@lionralc.ie.
Is féidir an plean ina iomláine a léamh anseo:
Young People and Letterkenny Irish Language Plan
One of the most important aspects of the language plan for Letterkenny is catering to young people: there is no community without young people, and it is vital that young people are active participants in this change and make their voices heard. Along with the Letterkenny community, a language plan will be put in place, which will promote the use of Irish in social, cultural and economic matters, supporting every language level. The Líonra will be working with the community to strengthen and develop the Irish language here in Letterkenny; our native language, it is a vital aspect of our identity and modern culture in Ireland.
We understand that young people and language planning are inextricably linked. As young people, you are a source of inspiration and an example for everyone, young and old, and so we want you to take on responsibility and leadership with the plan. You all have a big impact on your families, on your friends and on your own community. Through research conducted for the language plan, it was recognised that the community had a great interest in the Irish language, young people especially so. To support the language and the community, there will be events and schemes based on the opinions identified in the research. To give young people a voice, Líonra na n-Óg will be established: this will empower young people, giving them power in the language planning process. A committee of students, they will give advice and suggestions to Coiste Líonra Leitir Ceanainn. When possible, trips will be organised as well, and the link with Gaeltacht areas in Donegal strengthened. Throughout, the value of Irish as a living, breathing language outside of the education system will be emphasised.
Even though some of the events have been delayed due to the pandemic, there will be plenty of opportunities online. Keep an eye on our social media: Irish language classes and conversation circles will be provided, and we will be establishing a community centre, creating a physical space in Letterkenny for the Irish language and its supporters. We will keep you updated regarding other opportunities and events in Irish as well: in March, a module for transition year students will be happening, facilitated by NUI Galway. Taught by the very best in television and in radio and digital journalism, the course is directed at students in post primary Gaeltacht and Irish medium schools.
The plan will be implemented over the course of seven years, serving the needs and wishes of the community regarding the Irish language. The language planning process isn’t a quick process: it depends on small acts that change language norms over the course of time, like not being afraid, and speaking Irish with your friends. This is something which requires bravery and confidence. So, language planning is a continuous and long-term process, and with shared responsibility the Irish language will continue to grow in Letterkenny. We want to build a relationship with you, and that you will take ownership of your own plan: new ideas are always worth exploring. What are the possibilities that you see? What do you want to see from this language plan? What are your interests and wishes? This is only the beginning of the conversation, and we would love to hear your input. If you have any questions or thoughts, send them to bairbre.cpt@lionralc.ie
The full plan can be viewed here: