Guaranteed Irish: shoppers more likely to buy bilingual packages
Speakers want more chances to use language
SHOPPERS are more inclined to buy products that have bilingual packaging in Irish and English, a new survey reveals.
Half also believe that having Irish gives them an edge when going for a job.
The opinion poll shows more than two-in-five people would like to have more opportunities to speak Irish – and a similar number would like more chances to learn the language.
Likewise, the same number is confident in their ability to understand Irish, but young people are more confident in their speaking abilities.
The survey reveals the use of Irish is good for business. The poll found two-in-five in the country say they would choose a product on the shop shelf with bilingual packaging in Irish and English over a product of the same quality with only English writing on the packaging.
The value of the language in marketing also translates into job-seeking, where almost half of people also believe having Irish is an advantage.
A growing confidence among those who have learned Irish is indicated in the poll.
The survey of 1,085 people on their view on the Irish language was conducted by Kantar Millward Brown for Conradh na Gaeilge.
More than half recognise the Fáinne as an indicator the wearer speaks Irish. And three-in-five people, especially amongst young people, said that they were aware of Seachtain na Gaeilge with Energia.
Seachtain na Gaeilge manager Orlaith Nic Gearailt said it was “very encouraging” to see more people showing an interest in the language and wanting more opportunities to learn and use Irish.
Conradh na Gaeilge general secretary Julian de Spáinn said the survey showed the Irish language has a role in communities.
■ Irish is one of the top 100 most used languages online and Lá na Meán Sóisialta takes place today to celebrate the development and the growth of the language online