The Significance of Our First Language: A Personal Perspective

Thank you for asking. I care deeply about my first language because it is the key to communicating with my family and friends whom I hold dear. Without it, I would lose the ability to connect with them on a profound level. Once I noticed a decline in my first language skills due to my expatriation, I made a conscious effort to maintain and improve my language skills to ensure I could stay in touch with my loved ones.

The Importance of Caring for Your First Language

Some people may find the idea of caring for a first language amusing, considering it a quaint tradition. However, for many, the first language is not merely a tool for communication; it is an integral part of their identity, culture, and history. English was my first language, specifically a combination of Southern Highland and Standard Southern dialects. However, like many languages, it faces no direct threat in my current environment.

A Rant on Language and Culture Preservation

This may be a bit of a rant, but I find it deeply troubling that widespread ignorance exists regarding dialect differences and the disparagement of nonstandard dialects. Language is a living, evolving entity, and the preservation of dialects is crucial to understanding the cultural fabric of societies. I grew up with two first languages: Irish and English. My mother spoke Irish, while my father spoke English. This was deliberate, as Ireland, despite being an English-speaking country, valued the preservation of its native language.

Even during the years of oppression, Ireland managed to maintain its distinct language, a language rich with song and poetry. The world of poetry and song in Irish is vast and varied. However, as I came into contact with the English-speaking world, I began to lose my proficiency in Irish. This was a consequence of the broader social environment and limited opportunities to practice. Nonetheless, I am happy to report that I was still able to translate an email written in Irish, a testament to the enduring power of my first language.

I will share a poem by Donagh MacDonagh, translated into English, to illustrate the beauty and significance of Irish literature:

After the Irish

By Donagh MacDonagh

I would marry Bridin Vesey
Without a shoe or petticoat
A comb a cloak or dowry
Or even one clean shift
And I would make novena
Or imitate the hermits
Who spend their lives in fasting
All for a Christmas gift
O cheek like dogwood fruiting
O cuckoo of the mountain
I would send darkness packing
If you would rise and go
Against the ban of clergy
And the sour lips of your parents
And take me at an altar stone
In spite of all Mayo.

The poem paints a vivid picture of a man's willingness to give up everything for the woman he loves, emphasizing the passion and depth of traditional Irish literature. It's a poignant reminder of the cultural richness that comes with preserving a language.

The Need to Preserve Language and Culture

While English may not be under threat in my current environment, I understand that not all languages are as fortunate. The loss of languages is a significant cultural loss, as it erases the unique perspectives, stories, and traditions that they bring. It is not just about the words themselves, but about the worldviews and histories that are encapsulated within them. As such, I strongly advocate for the preservation of dialects and languages, whether they are dominant or endangered.

The world of poetry and song in Irish is just one example of the vast cultural wealth that can be lost if language is not preserved. Irish has been blessed with poets and writers who have devoted themselves to preserving and translating works into English, ensuring that the linguistic and cultural heritage is not lost.

In conclusion, the first language is more than just a means of communication; it is a gateway to understanding our cultural identity, heritage, and the world. By caring for our first language, we honor the past, enrich the present, and secure the future.