Why learn Irish?

Abstract

This thesis applies anthropological methodology to concepts of second language acquisition motivations in an attempt to better understand the question of, why students at Saint Mary’s University choose to learn the Irish language? The learners who were interviewed can be placed into one of two groups, Roots or Hobbyist, based on what their core motivations are for learning Irish. The question is further complicated by the addition of questions of authenticity and identity among the learners. This was specifically significant in regard to those students who were learning because of a desire to connect with their ancestry (Roots). It was because of this, that I noticed that the learning of the Irish language was being used as a method through which, some learners, sought to authenticate their heritage identities. Also, in learners that are not learning due to any ancestral relation (Hobbyists) there were results that appeared to be very similar to ones drawn by other scholars such as Jonathan Giles (2016). Some of these motivations were an interest in Irish culture or an interest in a field that the learner believes is complemented by some knowledge of the Irish language.