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Some people believe that Ireland would be insular, inward-looking or parochial if we spoke Irish. By this logic, more than 180 countries in the world would also be insular as they don't speak English as their first language. Speaking Irish doesn’t mean you can’t speak English or any other language to interact with people from other countries. In fact, studies have shown that learning a second language increases tolerance, and immersion education in particular fosters a "greater tolerance of cultural difference and less racism" amongst children. Starting with our own native language and culture, multilingualism gives us a greater sense of identity and increases our self-esteem while giving us both a broader exposure to, and appreciation of, the value of various cultures. This in turns leads to overall greater cultural competence and deeper multiculturalism, opening us up to the rest of the world.
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