Restoring The Celtic Tongue - Gaelic Awareness Month in Nova Scotia

The following is an editorial published on the web site of the Gaelic Council of Nova Scotia:

Gaelic Nova Scotia: Tradition in a Modern World An editorial for Gaelic Awareness Month by Seumas Watson

The matter of Gaelic language in Nova Scotia has been a subject of discussion for its advocates for nearly two hundred years. The question most asked is: will Gaelic die? Whatever will be, the Gaelic language yet lives in Nova Scotia and the month of May has been designated to celebrate its achievements.

If one examines the history of Gaelic in Nova Scotia, it is evident that much dedicated work has been done to ensure the language's future. Going back to the turn-of-the-century's Gaelic publication Mac-Talla, we read about a Gaelic environment much different from that of today's. It was during this era that Gaelic suffered the most as it began to decline in usage. The ongoing struggle for its maintenance was initiated by its faithful around that period.

As so often happens, opinions change over time and understanding deepens. It is now apparent that Nova Scotia's Gaelic language has taken a substantial step in the right direction. The new world we live in today is governed by information. Accordingly the Age of Information brings with it many new opportunities for Gaelic and the Gael.

Nova Scotia's Gaelic speaking regions no longer exists in isolation. Every year sees an increase in the number of tourists seeking Gaelic cultural experiences in Nova Scotia. In years gone by, Gaelic's champions bore a vision of fidelity to their forebearers’ traditions. Their contribution has been immeasurable. It is now widely understood that Gaelic culture must also include an economy to continue its progress in modern terms. Gaelic Month proclaims the efforts of the old and new. Lets praise them all and keep up the Gaelic.

The following is an excerpt from the announcement of Gaelic Awareness Month carried on the Provincial Government's Nova Scotia Communities, Culture and Heritage web page. The full text can be found using the link below. 

" Throughout the month of May, Nova Scotians will celebrate the contributions of Gaels, their language and culture, and their unique communities. Gaelic Affairs Minister Randy Delorey and Communities, Culture and Heritage Minister Tony Ince were joined by Na Gaisgich Òga - the Young Heroes Youth Mentorship Program - and members of the Gaelic community at Province House today, April 30, to launch Gaelic Awareness Month by raising the flag of the Nova Scotia Gaels. "The rich language and culture of Nova Scotia Gaels make our province a unique place in the Canadian tapestry," said Mr. Delorey. "Ours is the only remaining region in the country where Gaelic language and culture is being passed down from generation to generation within the community."

The full text of the announcement from the Nova Scotia Communities, Culture and Heritage web page can be found usisng the link below.

https://cch.novascotia.ca/stories/province-celebrates-gaelic-awareness-m...

http://www.gaelic.ca/language.html