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introduction

We must put an end to that shameful state of feeling, which makes young Irish men
and women blush and hang their heads when overheard speaking their own language.
Douglas Hyde, 1892

Our aim with focail.com is to ask people to consider their personal sense of identity, their sense of belonging and their sense of place in a modern, multicultural Ireland.

There is, perhaps, no need to rehearse the eternal discussion of Ireland's dramatic economic overhaul nor to engage in a lengthy pondering on the invasive effects of globalisation on local culture. We are all only too aware of the bankruptcy of the political establishment and the demise of organised religion. But what have we left? Who are we now? Where are we in a once deified landscape? (Read Mythic Ireland by Michael Dames).

Whither a culture without its language? Has the Irish language become a national embarrassment? Have Douglas Hyde's worst fears been realised? We have outgrown our ancient heritage, have we not? If the Irish language is dead, then would it not be best to let the funeral begin and to see what we have left when the ashes have been scattered? Do we care?

Our hope in mounting this series of artistic images on advertising billboards throughout Ireland to coincide with both Saint Patrick's Day and Seachtain na Gaeilge is that people might respond with their own perspectives and perceptions of what Ireland is or could be, thus beginning to define the essence of modern Ireland.

Each image has some Irish words attached. The combination of the images and the words is an artistic meditation on our culture, our language and our place in the world. The words are as follows:

· Tír gan Teanga - A Land without Language
· Bóthar - Road
· Mise Ogigia - I am Ogigia
· Mo Ghrá Thú! - I love you!
· Géaga Ginealaigh - The Branches of Ancestry

Attached to each image you will find a brief explanation of the image in addition to a short etymological explanation as to the source of the Irish words.

There is also a longer subjective discussion between Seán Hillen, Ruán Magan and Gabriel Rosenstock about the inherent possibilities of the images and their meanings. Our hope is that you, the viewer, will go further and see beyond our limitations.

You will find a link entitled 'cé thusa?' (who are you?) which offers a broad series of links that might help you in your quest for self-definition.

There is also a link called 'express yourself' through which you can submit your personal perspectives on language, identity and culture.

Ireland is an ancient culture. (Read Ancient Irish Poetry by Kuno Meyer). It is also one of the world's youngest countries. Somewhere between the two is the real Ireland. What is it?

Urraithe ag An Chomhairle Ealaíon agus Foras na Gaelige.