Minister for Rural and Community Development Dara Calleary has announced €1.1 million in funding for the Foclóir Stairiúil na Gaeilge (Historical Dictionary of Irish), a major research initiative by the Royal Irish Academy (RIA). The funding, spread over four years, aims to create an authoritative historical dictionary of modern Irish, drawing on material from 1600 to the present day.
The project will fill a significant gap in the Irish lexicography, as the language, despite its rich cultural heritage, has lacked an official historical dictionary compared to other European languages. By the end of the funding period, the first part of the dictionary will be available to the public, alongside a comprehensive database of Irish-language texts, dialect collections, and other resources, all made freely accessible online.
Minister Calleary emphasized the importance of this project in putting Irish on par with other European languages, stating, “As a result of this lexical work under the Royal Irish Academy, Irish will be in a similar position to other European languages with comprehensive historical dictionaries.”
Dr. Charles Dillon, Editor of the Historical Dictionary of Irish, welcomed the funding, noting it would support the RIA’s efforts in providing new digital resources and perspectives on the Irish language, including its dialects. “These outputs will provide a fresh perspective on Irish as it was spoken and written throughout history,” he said.
This initiative aligns with the Government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language, ensuring that Irish is documented and preserved for future generations, academia, and learners. The RIA has already developed digital tools for managing historical texts, manuscripts, and dialects, further enriching this invaluable resource for the Irish-speaking community and beyond.
Key Points:
- Funding Announced: €1.1 million over four years for the Historical Dictionary of Irish.
- Goal: To create a comprehensive historical dictionary of modern Irish, covering materials from 1600 onwards.
- Impact: The project will provide open access to a vast database of Irish-language texts and dialects.
- Support: Part of the Government’s 20-Year Strategy for the Irish Language.
This project promises to be a vital resource for both academic and public engagement with Ireland’s linguistic heritage. For more details, visit the Royal Irish Academy’s website at ria.ie.
Irish Language academic diary Picture by Design Áras Press
