{"id":131359,"date":"2026-01-15T10:35:36","date_gmt":"2026-01-15T09:35:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/?p=131359"},"modified":"2026-01-15T10:35:39","modified_gmt":"2026-01-15T09:35:39","slug":"irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/","title":{"rendered":"From constitution to campus:What keeps a language alive?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p>At Phrase, we\u2019re always inspired by how language connects people, cultures, and ideas. In this post,\u00a0 <strong><a href=\"https:\/\/people.ucd.ie\/jamie.murphy\/about\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Dr Jamie Murphy<\/a><\/strong> of <strong>University College Dublin (UCD)<\/strong>, a member of the <a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/academic-program\/\">Phrase Academic Program<\/a>, explores Ireland\u2019s centuries-long effort to preserve and promote the Irish language continues to evolve, bringing together history, education, and modern language technology. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>With more than 38,000 students, including <a href=\"http:\/\/chrome-extension:\/\/efaidnbmnnnibpcajpcglclefindmkaj\/https:\/\/www.ucd.ie\/irish\/en\/t4media\/Gaeltacht_UCD_2021-2022_HEA_Report_on_Special_Provision_for_the_Support_of_Irish.pdf\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">several hundred enrolled in language courses<\/a>, UCD is Ireland&#8217;s largest and most globally engaged academic institution, and as such has a significant impact on the way Irish is represented throughout society. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For linguists, educators, and anyone interested in how the culture and technology come together, Dr Murphy offers a unique view of how&nbsp; language policy, academic programs, and digital innovation are shaping the future of multilingual communication.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_80 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Overview<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#the-legal-foundation-irish-as-the-first-official-language\" >The legal foundation: Irish as the first official language<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#a-century-of-revival-and-education\" >A century of revival and education<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#from-classrooms-to-brussels-and-luxembourg-irish-in-the-european-union\" >From classrooms to Brussels and Luxembourg: Irish in the European Union<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#building-language-expertise-at-ucd\" >Building language expertise at UCD<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#embedding-irish-in-university-life\" >Embedding Irish in university life<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#translation-as-cultural-preservation\" >Translation as cultural preservation<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#technology-as-an-ally-for-language-and-culture\" >Technology as an ally for language and culture<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/blog\/posts\/irish-language-education-cultural-heritage-translation\/#partnering-with-universities-worldwide\" >Partnering with universities worldwide<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-the-legal-foundation-irish-as-the-first-official-language\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"the-legal-foundation-irish-as-the-first-official-language\"><\/span><strong>The legal foundation: Irish as the first official language<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>For those in the international community, it might come as a surprise that Ireland does in fact have its own official language: \u2018Irish\u2019, or <em>Gaeilge <\/em>in the language itself. Based on the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishstatutebook.ie\/eli\/cons\/en\/html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Constitution of Ireland<\/a>, <em>Bunreacht na h\u00c9ireann<\/em>, Article 8 and Article 25.4.6, Irish takes precedence over English in Irish law and is recognised as the first official language with English as the second.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a macro level in Ireland, many efforts have been made to preserve the cultural heritage of Ireland with the Irish language seen as a linchpin in these endeavours for the past 125+ years.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-a-century-of-revival-and-education\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"a-century-of-revival-and-education\"><\/span><strong>A century of revival and education<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>While I can only scratch the surface of Irish-language revival efforts and legislative backing, this post highlights some of the main initiatives central to the Irish language in recent memory. In 1893,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cnag.ie\/en\/info\/conradh-na-gaeilge\/whatiscnag.html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <em>Conradh na Gaeilge<\/em><\/a> (The Gaelic League) was founded and has continuously advocated for the rights of Irish-language speakers in Ireland.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since 1922, Irish has been compulsory in primary and post-primary education in Ireland and while the vast majority of the population of Ireland have some proficiency in the language, according to the most recent<a href=\"https:\/\/www.cso.ie\/en\/releasesandpublications\/ep\/p-cpp8\/censusofpopulation2022profile8-theirishlanguageandeducation\/irishlanguageandthegaeltacht\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> census<\/a> carried out in Ireland, 1,873,997 (40% of the population) can speak Irish \u2018well\u2019 to \u2018very well\u2019. The language also enjoys its status as the official language of Ireland at EU level.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-from-classrooms-to-brussels-and-luxembourg-irish-in-the-european-union\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"from-classrooms-to-brussels-and-luxembourg-irish-in-the-european-union\"><\/span><strong>From classrooms to Brussels and Luxembourg: Irish in the European Union<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Following lobbying by the government, Irish was adopted (albeit with a derogation) into the European Union as a working language in<a href=\"https:\/\/www.gov.ie\/en\/department-of-foreign-affairs\/press-releases\/ending-of-irish-derogation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 2007<\/a>. In 2022, this derogation was lifted, and Irish is now on par (for the most part) with all the other official working languages in the EU.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, the adjustment to a full working language in the EU was not without its difficulties as this meant highly skilled translators, terminologists, interpreters, lawyer linguists and language assistants needed to be sourced.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While in-house translation has always been carried out at national level within the translation department of the government,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.oireachtas.ie\/en\/how-parliament-is-run\/houses-of-the-oireachtas-service\/rannog-an-aistriuchain\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <em>Rann\u00f3g an Aistri\u00fach\u00e1in<\/em><\/a>, the onus was now on the EU institutions as well as the Irish government to train a new cohort of translators and language professionals to undertake work in Brussels and Luxembourg.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-building-language-expertise-at-ucd\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"building-language-expertise-at-ucd\"><\/span><strong>Building language expertise at UCD<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Much of this work meant that the government needed to collaborate with third-level institutions in Ireland to provide programmes, modules and specific training in translation. As part of this effort, the MA in<a href=\"https:\/\/hub.ucd.ie\/usis\/!W_HU_MENU.P_PUBLISH?p_tag=COURSE&amp;MAJR=Z030&amp;KEYWORD=ma%20scriobh%20cumarsaid%20gaeilge\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Scr\u00edobh agus Cumars\u00e1id<\/a> (Writing and Communication) (MASC) in the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucd.ie\/icsf\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore<\/a> was established.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This was one of many courses and modules offered across the island of Ireland as part of the <em>Tionscnamh Ardscileanna Gaeilge<\/em> (Advanced Irish-Language Skills Initiative) aiming to address the need for trained language professionals.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of the MASC, UCD strives to provide a well-rounded education in technical and creative writing with many of the students going on to become translators in the EU, the private sector and within the Irish government.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The course currently focuses on legal translation, terminology, linguistics, creative writing, advanced Irish-language skills, editing as well as an internship or thesis component to ensure that students leave with the necessary skills needed in institutions at home and abroad.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-embedding-irish-in-university-life\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"embedding-irish-in-university-life\"><\/span><strong>Embedding Irish in university life<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Outside of the School of Irish, Celtic Studies and Folklore, the university is steadfast in its commitment to cultural heritage and cultural preservation. As part of the newly launched<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucd.ie\/strategy\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> strategy to 2030 in UCD<\/a>, the university is striving to \u2018enhance the prominence of the Irish language across our university\u2019.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>As part of this commitment, a newly-appointed Irish-language support board,<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucd.ie\/irish\/ga\/fuinn\/bordtacaiochtagaeilge\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> <em>Bord Taca\u00edochta na Gaeilge<\/em><\/a>, (which replaced <em>Bord na Gaeilge<\/em>) was established with representatives from across the university to ensure that Irish is visible, promoted and integral to university life for all students no matter what their background.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These endeavours, among many others, come under the auspices of<a href=\"https:\/\/www.ucd.ie\/irish\/en\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Gaeltacht UCD<\/a> which was established as the Global Centre for Irish Language and Culture and is responsible for UCD\u2019s commitment to the<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishstatutebook.ie\/eli\/2003\/act\/32\/enacted\/en\/html\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> Official Languages Act 2003<\/a> (and<a href=\"https:\/\/www.irishstatutebook.ie\/eli\/2021\/act\/49\/enacted\/en\/print\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"> 2021<\/a>, as amended).\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-translation-as-cultural-preservation\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"translation-as-cultural-preservation\"><\/span><strong>Translation as cultural preservation<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>With a high degree of legislative support and commitment to the Irish language on the island of Ireland, translation is regarded as one of the key driving forces behind cultural preservation. All official documentation in Ireland must be available in both Irish and English, from media announcements and signage to job vacancies and reports.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It is the responsibility of the organisation or institution concerned to ensure that this requirement is enforced. While some might question the quality of translation output in Ireland at times, the demand for high-level translation services and technology remains strong.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In my view, the use of technology in the translation sector can only be positive, as the sheer volume of content requiring translation far outweighs the number of dedicated translators available. Human translators for the Irish language will always be needed, as machine output must be checked for nuance and linguistic quality.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"h-technology-as-an-ally-for-language-and-culture\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"technology-as-an-ally-for-language-and-culture\"><\/span><strong>Technology as an ally for language and culture<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>UCD, along with other universities, is driving this commitment to the sustainable use of language technology not only at an administrative and governance level but also academically.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Students undertaking programmes such as the MASC are equipped not only with Irish-language skills but also with the competence and training to engage with language technology in their work.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The MASC, as one example, has evolved over time to include as much technology as possible to ensure that students are prepared for industry demands. This includes machine translation technology, terminology management tools, corpus-based management tools, online parallel corpora, national and international terminology databases, as well as traditional online and interactive dictionaries and language tools.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Although technology is transforming how translation is carried out, its core purpose remains unchanged: preserving language and culture.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Since the founding of the State, translation has been central to maintaining Irish in public life, from bilingual legislation and official documents to EU integration. Today, incorporating language technology, terminology databases and corpus management systems allow us to meet growing demands without compromising quality.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These technologies, combined with skilled human translators, ensure that Irish continues to thrive in education, governance and international institutions. Translation is not just a technical process but rather a practical strategy for safeguarding Ireland\u2019s linguistic heritage while adapting to modern realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group is-style-header-hero has-white-color has-white-background-color has-text-color has-background has-link-color has-background-images wp-elements-7e8d4ca8000c8d7e51906e3b54849ed5 is-layout-flow wp-block-group-is-layout-flow\" style=\"padding-top:var(--wp--preset--spacing--110);padding-bottom:var(--wp--preset--spacing--110);background-image:url(https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/Academic-header.jpg.webp);background-position:10% 0%;background-attachment:scroll;background-repeat:no-repeat;background-size:cover\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-b0ba78b1 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\"><div class=\"yoast-breadcrumbs\"><span><span><a href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/\">Home<\/a><\/span> | <span class=\"breadcrumb_last\" aria-current=\"page\">From constitution to campus:What keeps a language alive?<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-text-align-left has-gigantic-font-size\" id=\"h-partnering-with-universities-worldwide\" style=\"font-style:normal;font-weight:400\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"partnering-with-universities-worldwide\"><\/span><strong>Partnering with universities worldwide<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-group has-global-padding is-content-justification-left is-layout-constrained wp-container-core-group-is-layout-12dd3699 wp-block-group-is-layout-constrained\">\n<p class=\"has-text-align-left\">Giving professors and students access to the language technology trusted by global brands.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:10px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button is-style-purple-filled\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/phrase.com\/academic-program\/\">Learn more about the Phrase Academic Program<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ireland\u2019s Irish language revival spans law, education, and modern translation technology. Dr Jamie Murphy of University College Dublin explores how constitutional status, university programs, and language technology are shaping the future of Irish in national and European institutions<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":89,"featured_media":131374,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"post-refresh-updated","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_stopmodifiedupdate":false,"_modified_date":"","_searchwp_excluded":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[42],"class_list":["post-131359","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-phrase-and-beyond"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131359","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/89"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=131359"}],"version-history":[{"count":5,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131359\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":131373,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/131359\/revisions\/131373"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/131374"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=131359"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/phrase.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=131359"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}