How The Irish Language Inspires A More Connected Way Of Life | Manchán Magan

What can we make of a language that has 32 words for field?

Writer and broadcaster Manchán Magan encountered the remarkable richness of the Irish language as a young child, and his grandmother Sighle was determined that he would learn to speak it in the place where it was the common language of daily life. This was Muiríoch in the west Kerry Gaeltacht, where Manchán spent his childhood holidays in his grandmother’s house. The Irish he learned there dates back to a time when the multiplicity of words for objects, actions, ideas and feelings reflected a way of life with a profound appreciation for the natural world.

In Dingle Manchán spoke with Ireland’s Edge founder and Emmy winning writer and director  Nuala O’Connor about his new book, 32 Words for Field: Lost Words of the Irish Landscape.

You can also listen to this fascinating discussion in podcast form on the brand new Ireland's Edge - The Podcast series: https://spoti.fi/3hiR746

Ireland's Edge - Available Light/Solas was made possible thanks to our leading partner, Intel Ireland, and supported by Jones Engineering Group, the Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media, The Department of Foreign Affairs, The Irish Times and Kerry County Council

Video Date
May 17, 2021
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