Szacunek in Polish, Meas in Irish and in English – respect. This group was set up to create a greater understanding of Polish language and culture among the local Armagh community and a greater understanding of the Irish language among the growing Polish community in Armagh. Language awareness and basic language skills are central to this innovative and on-going project. Scazunek/Meas has brought members of two different communities together to learn each other’s languages and respect each other’s cultures and traditions. The two groups had not previously come together in Armagh and reaches out to all sectors of the community as membership ages range from 20 to 65.

The intercultural imagination behind this project is innovative and stimulating for all concerned. Those involved also contribute to other groups and networks which spread awareness of the project and its multifaceted potential. There has already been a trilingual Mayoral event and a programme of social, cultural, linguistic events, as well as effective dissemination of information, signage and booklets, all of which have led to an impressive achievement in the timescale up to now, and confidence and enthusiasm for further developments. The project can provide a model for local minority language communities and for recently arrived communities interested in learning about their chosen region of residence. This project is the recipient of the Albatross Travel GroupCommunity Languages Prize.

Language(s): Irish and Polish

Gael Linn is an Irish language organisation which helps promote Irish language and culture. West Armagh Consortium is a community action group which has an interest in promoting Irish language and Culture.