Sir, - Valerie Collins's letter (August 23rd) criticising the use in Irish of words like "zu" , "eilifint" and "sioraf" reflects a problem which many people share. They subconsciously feel guilty because they can't speak Irish and their unconscious mind invents this kind of criticism to justify their not learning it. Once such people decide to learn some Irish, they completely change their tack. Most of the words used in English are not of English origin. Seventy per cent are of French origin, many are from Latin and Greek and there are even about 50 from Irish. This does not bother English-speakers one whit, nor should it. "Zoo" is of Greek origin, "elephant" of Latin and Greek origin, and "giraffe" of Italian origin. There are only about four "economically important" languages, English, Spanish French and German. So what? We are the only country in the world which by and large is ashamed of its native tongue but this attitude is changing rapidly. Don't miss the boat, Valerie. Get cracking. - Yours, etc., Gearoid O Laoi,
Merlyn Lawn, Bishopstown, Cork.