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The Irish language is different but not superior

All native tongues have their nuances

Letters to the Editor. Illustration: Paul Scott — The Irish Times - Letters to the Editor.

Sat Feb 14 2026 - 06:00

Sir, - Every language has its nuances - ways of expressing a mood, a concept, a characteristic, or even a simple noun - that other languages find cumbersome. Irish is not alone in this regard. That is not to devalue the beauty of our native tongue, but we should not think it uniquely superior. It’s just different. – Yours, etc,

HUGH Mc DONNELL,

Glasnevin,

Dublin 9.

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