Irish Language Thrives in Sydney

0:00Here's more Sydney news for March 15th. Great news from Sydney, where the Irish language is not just surviving, but thriving. The Irish language school there has grown from about 20 to 30 students two years ago to between 70 and 80 now. It's a bright spot on the eve of St. Patrick's Day. This revival ties into a broader renaissance, fueled by fresh content like rap music and podcasts for millennials and younger folks. Irish has become one of the fastest growing languages on the Duolingo app, spreading its cool factor from Ireland outward. School President Sean McLaughlin puts it simply, it's trendy now, and that's pulling in new learners worldwide. People see this as a huge win, especially since UNESCO still calls Irish definitely endangered after centuries of decline. Historically, the English banded back in 1746, and in Australia, time and official English youth slowly pushed to decide among Irish, convicts communities, deep divides between Protestant and Catholic groups lingered, sparking fights over schools and jobs.

1:03Meanwhile, those old tensions have faded here, with massive St. Patrick's Day festivals drawing crowds to parades and parties. Even as Anglo-Irish issues simmer across the sea, Sydney's enthusiasm highlights what unites people through language and culture. Special thanks to our sponsor for supporting this episode, your pillow, your podcast, your moment, made for listening in bed, S-O-L-I, solely pillow.com.