Bible Quote by Lady Gregory
“Once in my childhood I had been eager to learn Irish; I thought to get leave to take lessons from an old Scripture-reader who spent a part of his time in the parish of Killinane, teaching such scholars as he could find to read their own language in the hope that they might turn to the only book then being printed in Irish, the Bible.”
About This Quote
A childhood desire to learn Irish was driven by the hope that literacy would enable access to the Irish‑language Bible, seen as the sole printed work in the language at the time.
In simple terms: Learning Irish to read the Bible.
Key Takeaway
Literacy as cultural preservation.
Themes
language revival
religious education
cultural identity
colonial context
personal ambition
Mood
hopeful
determined
nostalgic
Type
personal anecdote
historical observation
When to use this quote
- seeking a teacher
- attending lessons
- reading religious texts
- preserving heritage
Key Concepts
Irish language
Bible
scripture-reading
parish education
Practical Applications
- language revitalization programs
- faith‑based literacy initiatives
Questions to Reflect On
- How does language shape cultural identity?
- What role does religion play in language preservation?
