Significance of Language

"the old language is a barrier to modern progress"

"the images of the past embodied in language [shape us.]"

I found it hard to choose between these two quotes in class yesterday. I could not help but agree with both of the quotes, but perhaps leaning towards favoring the second one more. I definitely think that language is an important factor when trying to make progress in one's society. Having a common language for a community is essential or else nothing can be communicated, and considering communication is a central factor in building a community, without it, success and progress can not be achieved. Therefore, if that community wants to make progress and move forward with other communities, communication between the many societies is also important. In the case of Translations, Ireland still uses its old language, while England speaks English, therefore providing a somewhat more difficult task of modernizing Ireland. However, speaking from experience with a foreign exchange student, language is not everything. People can form relationships and get across ideas without the help of a common language; it is just more difficult.

I find myself agreeing with both quotes in the way that I think only knowing the old language prevents progress and modernization. But just because you learn a new language, it does not mean you forget about the one you used to speak. Why can't people know both? I mentioned this in class as well, but I do not believe this only applies to the Irish people, in the case of Translations. If the Irish learn English, I think it is just as important for the English to learn Irish, or at least any English people that are going to live in Ireland.