Gaeilge - Béarla
One aim of the Glór na nGael Strategic Plan 2002 – 2005 was to attract committees which operate overseas into the competition. The first Worldwide Irish Language Competition, Global Gaeilge, organised by Glór na nGael began in 2005. Since then the competition has gone from strength to strength with 30 committees registered from 13 different countries. Global Gaeilge is now sponsored the the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The following criteria, simple and achievable, will be applied to find a winner:
- the committee must be in operation for at least two years
- it must have a language plan to increase the use of Irish among the organisation / committee members
- it must have structured classes or courses in place
- it must provide, directly or indirectly, opportunities for speaking Irish
- other new schemes to increase the use of spoken or written Irish
The following assessment method will be used to find a winner:
A year-long language plan will be presented at the beginning of the year and assessors appointed by Glór na nGael will choose a winner based on that plan and on work from the previous year.
The winners will, of course, receive extensive publicity through the media in Ireland, in their local press and on the Glór na nGael Web site.
Why an International Irish Language competition?
- It will both encourage and give recognition to overseas groups which are currently undertaking language development work.
- It will reach out to the Irish diaspora and affirm their importance within the Irish Language community.
- It will attarct Irish groups which are involved with Gaelic culture, music and dancing for example, to direct their energies to the language.
- It will project Irish onto a world stage in a new way.
- It will encourage individuals and groups to spend time regularly on cultural holidays in Ireland, and particularly in Gaeltacht areas.
