Assembly Committee Explores the Power of Language

The Northern Ireland Assembly’s Committee for Culture, Arts and Leisure took to the road this summer with a series of visits to language centres to see what local communities are doing to promote Irish and Ulster-Scots.

Chair of the Committee, Barry McElduff MLA said: “The preservation and promotion of local culture underpins the work of the CAL Committee. It has been very interesting to see what is being achieved at Carntogher Community Association, the Ullans Speakers’ Society and Pobail an Chaistil.

“These visits are a great insight into how languages in this region are flourishing thanks to the dedication of local people. It is heartening to meet people with a passion for making language a core part of daily life.

“The ability to speak in Irish or Ulster-Scots is an important part of the preservation and promotion of cultural identity. In addition, being multi-lingual is a valuable asset for any young person and is something that the Committee encourages and applauds.”

The Committee visited three groups in Maghera, Ballymoney and Ballycastle to see them in action, getting a real taste of the work carried out by people with a passion for language. This is part of the Committee’s ongoing work witnessing the promotion of culture and the arts in Northern Ireland.