Brynne Miller
1. Why did you decide to minor in Irish Language and Literature?
I decided to minor in Irish Language and Literature because I have always felt a strong connection with my Irish heritage, and coming to Notre Dame has strengthened that connection. When I found out that Notre Dame offered Irish Language classes, I knew I had to take one. I had always wondered what it would be like to learn the language and I fell in love with it after taking the first semester of Beginning Irish.
2. What types of research, internships and/or activities have you been involved in in relation to the minor?
I attended the Why Irish? lecture this year that featured Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill and I plan on studying abroad in Dublin next Fall in the hopes of visiting some of the places she mentioned as well as some of the places that I have studied in class. Notre Dame is great in that it offers many opportunities to listen to guest lecturers covering a range of topics from folklore to Yeats.
3. How have the professors, courses, lectures and/or activities had an impact on you?
Before taking the Irish Language and Literature courses, I had no idea how Ireland had transformed so drastically in the past century or so. It amazes me still how fast the country went from an Irish-speaking country to an English-speaking country. All of the teachers are very passionate and concerned about the language and its future which is one of the reasons why it is so enjoyable to learn and so easy to care about it.
4. How do you think your minor in Irish Language and Literature will help you or influence you in the future?
Having a minor in Irish Language and Literature has definitely sparked an interest in me to continue reading Irish literary works, and one day I hope to be able to read one without it being translated to English. It has also increased my understanding of how authors and poets are influenced by historical events, especially by the dramatic culture changes that occurred in Ireland.
5. Would you recommend a minor in Irish Language and Literature to other students? If yes, why?
I would definitely recommend a minor in Irish Language and Literature to other students. The teachers are all very nice and easy to talk to; they definitely make up the majority of my favorite teachers here at Notre Dame. The coursework is also very interesting, although the language itself can be challenging at times, it is well worth the work. Studying the Irish language has also increased my understanding, appreciation, and improved my use of the English language.