An annual lecture delivered on the importance of indigenous language will feature a guest speaker who has promoted Irish Gaelic in Protestant communities in Northern Ireland.

Linda Ervine will host this year’s Ned Maddrell lecture, held at the Tynwald Mills conference centre from 2pm on Saturday, July 22.

Linda is a self-taught Irish Gaelic speaker who has promoted the use of Irish Gaelic in Protestant communities, in order to create a better understanding and connection between the Loyalist communities of Ulster with Irish history and identity. She also advocates language as a means of unifying people and communities across political and religious divides.

She leads the Turas mission, based in East Belfast which promotes education in language and also cultural and heritage activities, such as folk dancing and music.

Adrian Cain, the Manx language development officer for Culture Vannin, said that Linda will talk about her own journey into discovering her passion for speaking Irish Gaelic, and the work carried out by Turas.

’This year’s lecture promises to be an inspiring and exciting look at the valuable work that Linda and Turas carry out in Northern Ireland,’ said Adrian.

’Linda is a fantastic speaker and this will be an event not to be missed.’

Adrian also said that Linda Ervine and her colleagues will be in the island for several days during their visit. It is hoped that as a consequence of Linda’s visit a strong working relationship can be formed between Turas and Culture Vannin that will support the work both organisations do for their respective language communities.

The Ned Maddrell lecture is hosted by Culture Vannin, and invites speakers who work within the promotion of rare and indigenous languages to speak on the island. It was named after the last native Manx speaker, who died in 1974.

For more information and to book a place, contact Adrian Cain on 694753, or email [email protected]