Who really wants to see Ulster-Scots translations?

In the controversy over the proposed Irish language legislation, the Secretary of State has stressed that this is part of a “package”.
By Letters
Published 23rd Jun 2021, 09:00 BST
Letter to the editorLetter to the editor
Letter to the editor

By this he means that the Ulster-Scots tradition will get something at the same time.

The question arises as to where these proposals for the Ulster-Scots language are coming from. They do not seem to be coming from those knowledgeable about the Ulster-Scots language.

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For instance, I can find no support among such people for spending money on a simultaneous translation service for the Northern Ireland Assembly.

This is more likely to be viewed as completely unnecessary, and liable to bring the Ulster-Scots language into disrepute.

It is unacceptable that Ulster-Scots should be used as makeweight to justify concessions to the Irish language. An unnecessary simultaneous translation service for Irish does not suddenly become acceptable because of the inclusion of a similar service for Ulster-Scots, which lovers of that language do not want.

My reading of the situation is that supporters of the Ulster-Scots language want smaller, practical initiatives to encourage those who are interested, rather than expensive headline grabbing translation services which are viewed in a negative way by the general public.

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It is well worth us taking a very close look at where the Ulster-Scots proposals of New Decade, New Approach are coming from. They seem to stem from politicians doing deals in back rooms, rather than Ulster-Scots activists.

Dr Paul Kingsley, Belfast, BT4

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Related topics:Ulster