Ogham eventually evolved into a number of Celtic dialogues used in Central Europe over three thousands years ago. The Celts invaded Ireland, and it is believed that the Celtic dialogues and the language used in Ireland at the time were blended to form Gaelic.

The language continued to adapt as the country continued to be invaded. The eighth and tenth centuries saw Ireland invaded by Vikings, whose presence in the country left a lingering impression on the language. Many words in modern Irish are actually Scandinavian, especially ones referring to ships or navigation. The Normans then invaded in the twelfth century, infusing Irish with more foreign culture, this time French. Much of the Irish literature of this time period bears strong French influence, and aspects of Norman French are still detectable in some southern dialects of Irish. A good example is "garsun," which Americans sometimes use to mean "waiter".

Countries in Which Irish is Spoken:
As of 1996, only 10,000 to 21,000 people in the world still spoke Irish. Unfortunately, it is a dying language, since most Irish people speak a form of English as their first language.

The Gaelic League was formed in 1893 with a goal of reviving the Irish language. Branches of this league still exist throughout Ireland offering Irish classes of all levels. According to Irelandseye.com, "It is possible that it was only constant pressure from and perseverance of this group that prevented the complete loss of Irish in both the Gaeltacht and in the country as a whole."

Irish Literature
One of the most famous Irish writers is one of the most famous writers period - the poet William Butler Yeats, whose works focused heavily on Irish myths.In addition, thanks to the Gaelic League, Irish writing has been established as an artistic medium, inspiring a great number of writers. There are a surprising number of journals, newspapers, and magazines printed in the Irish language, and, again, according to Irelandseye.com, "For about a century Irish writing has been on the increase and the short story has emerged as the medium par excellence of this literature."

Career Opportunities:
There are numerous career opportunities for those possessing a mastery of the Irish language, including many with government agencies. These include the FBI, the U.N., and offices in Washington, D.C. There are also teaching and research opportunities at colleges and universities. Plus, since the language holds such esteem in the world of writing, it would be a good language for any fiction writer to master.

Search for Irish Language Programs

Online Resources:
"Irish Language"
http://www.encyclopedia.com

Irelandseye.com
http://www.irelandseye.com/

A Plan to Save the Irish Language
http://homepage.ntlworld.com/r.a.mccartney/baile_nua/main.html

High Beam Research
http://highbeam.com/

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