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.

Language

I have actually read this book before, in the fall semester of my senior year, and something I remember talking about a lot is that the playwright, Brian Friel, wanted us to recognize the importance of language in this book. There are many references to four languages in particular, Latin, Greek, Irish (gaelic I'm assuming), and English. All the characters so far know Irish, since obviously the play was originally written in the language.
Something I find amusing is when Bridget is talking on page 19 about how the new national school will not teach in Irish, and they will only teach in English, and the fact that this book is written in English. Also, Jimmy Jack Cassidy and Hugh are the only ones who know Latin and Greek fluently, and Maire knows only one line of English her aunt taught her when she was younger. Manus seems to know some Latin and Greek, but does not speak it frequently like Jimmy does. He only uses it when Jimmy bothers him about the translation of something, like Jimmy is giving Manus a constant quiz of knowledge. Clearly, because we are given so much information about language, and what languages each character can speak (or not speak at all like Sarah) whereas normally we wouldn't get this information in a play, it is a key part of Translations.