What is Gaelphobal?
The aims of Gaelphobal is to raise awareness and understanding of the language planning process that is underway in Ireland, particularly outside of the Gaeltacht. This includes Irish Language Networks, Gaeltacht Service Towns, and the process taking place nationally.
The Gaelphobal website provides guidance for groups participating in the language planning process, in addition to highlighting the work that is taking place as part of the process across the country.
Language planning is a process that strengthens the Irish language in a particular community in a strategic way, utilising research, agreed aims, and research-based planning target setting.
The Language Planning Process
Since the introduction of the Gaeltacht Act 2012, a formal language planning process has been underway across Ireland.
The Act provided a legislative basis for the establishment of Irish Language Networks, Gaeltacht Service Towns and Gaeltacht Language Planning Areas. These are the names given to different types of recognition for specific geographical areas in which the community has come together to write a language plan which has received approval and funding for its implementation.
The aim of any language plan is to increase the use of the Irish language in a particular area and to add to the number of speakers in it. This is achieved through strategic planning, community development and focused service provision in these areas.
What role does Foras na Gaeilge have in the Language Planning Process?
Foras na Gaeilge is named in the Gaeltacht Act 2012 as the organisation responsible for providing assistance to organisations outside of the Gaeltacht that are participating in the language planning process.
Foras na Gaeilge is fulfilling this role through working closely with the community in the language planning process, inlcuding Gaeltacht Service Towns and Irish Language Networks. Foras na Gaeilge provides advice, guidance, training, networking opportunities and funding to groups at every stage of the language planning process, from drafting a language plan to its implementation.
