Towards our goal!
"Seosamh Ó Cuaig has had extensive experience as a broadcaster with Raidió na Gaeltachta and has researched and presented several well-received documentaries on television (TG4). He is well placed to evaluate and comment on the importance of radio work and its impact on the Irish language and its future development. He has often asked himself the question whether all the broadcasting is having an affect on the community and who exactly is listening in. Through meeting and talking to various people from different sociolinguistic backgrounds and domains, both here in Ireland and to the Irish diaspora throughout the world, but particularly in the United States and Canada, he has come to a clearer understanding of the importance of his work and how many of the listeners find the themes and discussions uplifting and encourages further development and pride in the native indigenous language. Above all he feels that Raidió na Gaeltachta must present its own particular view on world and home affairs through the medium of the Irish language. This 'methodology', as he calls it, is best represented by the phrase 'Súil Eile' ('Another Eye View'). It must be a genuine heart felt view not driven by consumerism or homogenization or imperialism or many of the other ills associated with modern society. There is a constant fight between modernity and old ideas, but it should be obvious to any keen observer that there are many features within both that should be preserved and cultivated. He insists that we should be aware of 'translating' American propaganda and he gives the fine example of the fall of Saigon and how he dealt with this particular news item. Above all we must have the highest regard and respect for the language - otherwise it is all in vain. It is a fact of life here in Ireland that the people in charge at senior level in broadcasting are people who have learned Irish but, at times, not very well. They tend to impose their own norms on more competent speakers, including native speakers. This should be resisted by all the means at our disposal."
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