Language 2

As we continued reading, language remained a very important topic of focus. We learn that Manus does in fact know how to speak English, or at least some, but is very reluctant to actually speak with Yolland in English. I think this is because he does not like the fact that Britain has come into his home, Ireland, and doesn't want to do them any small favors, not even communicate with them. This is evident in the interaction between Owen and Manus on page 56 when Owen asks Manus to speak in English, and Manus says, "For the benefit of the colonist?" and then reluctantly uses English only to appease Owen.
Also, as we discussed in class, the relationship between Yolland and Maire is a complicated one. Neither of them speaks the other's language, and so language in this case acts as a barrier. I also found it curious that they are both characters which want to learn the other's language. Maire believes, "Old language is a barrier to modern progress," confirming again her thought that the Irish should learn English, and Yolland wants to learn Gaelic and live in Ireland.
Their interaction from page 62 to page 67 is fascinating in the way that neither of them know what each other is saying, but they are somehow able to communicate and progress in a conversation. Did this make anyone else think of the scene in Love Actually where Colin Firth falls in love with the woman who comes to work for him? She speaks only French and he speaks only English, and despite the language barrier, they fall in love.