Is fearr Gaeilge briste ná Béarla cliste.
That’s what they say but perhaps it’s firstly better to teach people Gaeilge before they can dabble in broken Gaeilge.
So, whilst TG4 is an integral part of Irish society, preserving and spreading the language, celebrating Irish culture and, when it comes to GAA, putting on some of the finest production of games anywhere, a lot of people who tune in either don’t understand the lingo (whether you like that or not) or they can’t follow the pace or slang of it.
In an ideal world, yes, everyone would just go away and brush up on their cúpla focal but maybe TG4 can help in that process.
A few weeks ago, host of The GAA Hour Colm Parkinson put the question out there. There’s no denying the quality with which TG4 shows club games and national league games in both hurling and football but, for some, it would obviously be even better if they could follow the commentary.
https://twitter.com/Woolberto/status/972840774751670273
That evoked a strong reaction. A lot of people agreed, others found it offensive and some sort of threat to the sanctity of the Irish language.
Others were protective of the fact that TG4’s service fills what would otherwise be an unforgivable gap of quintessential games but that is not the issue either. It’s just the commentary which is going over the heads of those who don’t grasp the language.
TG4 is a malleable broadcaster though and, only two weekends later, they’re offering a compromise.
For the highly-anticipated All-Ireland hurling club final replay between Cuala and Na Piarsaigh, the station will be offering English language subtitles.
Beidh Fotheidil Beo – aistrithe ar GAA Beo an Sathairn seo. We will have live translated subtitles on @GAA_BEO – AIB Club Final Replay this Saturday 25th March. @CualaCLG @NapGAA @TG4TV #TheToughest pic.twitter.com/poEMtWSmTf
— Spórt TG4 (@SportTG4) March 22, 2018
Maybe the same critics will say that’s no use. You don’t want to be reading subtitles whilst you’re watching or analysing a game but it’s a happy medium.
TG4 is an Irish language broadcaster and, here, you have a chance to follow more closely what they’re saying whilst still watching the match and also brushing up on your Gaeilge as you go.
