To maintain Galway’s uniqueness, competitiveness in the market place and cultural appeal, it is essential that Galway city maintain, cultivate and use one of its most natural resources - an Ghaeilge. The support of the business community is vital to maintaining this uniqueness and attraction of Galway city and to this end, a number of Galway’s businesses have decided to use the Irish language on their shop fronts.
Gaillimh le Gaeilge the organisation that promotes the Irish language in Galway city maintains constant contact with the business community, encouraging them to use the Irish language in every aspect of their business. Part of the work of Gaillimh le Gaeilge and one of their aims is to enable the normalisation of the Irish language in Galway city through written, aural, electronic and oral means.
The summer time can be very busy for Gaillimh le Gaeilge with a lot of businesses renovating, remodeling and sometimes launching new products. Among the businesses they have worked with in the last month are; An Port Café, An Fhaiche Mhór; Blake’s Corner, Sráid Mhuire; Candle Works, Ionad na Faiche Móire; Evergreen, An tSráid Ard; Marian’s of Galway, Sráid Proinséas; Richardsons and the Galway Advertiser, An Fhaiche Mhór; and The Treasure Chest, Sráid Gheata Liam. All of these businesses have taken the opportunity to use the language in their recent renovations.
Bríd Ní Chonghóile of Gaillimh le Gaeilge said more amd more business are committed to supporting the use of Irish in business and are keen to maintain Galway’s unique bilingual and cultural image.
“The visual appearance of two languages can have a striking effect on the impression visitors have of our city and customers have of your business. It’s also an easy way to start operating bilingually, even if you do not have any staff who speak the language,” she added.
If you would like to reap the benefits and advantages of using the Irish language in your business, please contact Gaillimh le Gaeilge on 091 568876 or send an email to [email protected]. Gaillimh le Gaeilge works in association with Galway City Council, Galway Chamber and other groups in Galway city in promoting Galway as a bilingual city.
