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English is the principal language of Belfast City Council. However, we recognise the diverse nature of Belfast and Northern Ireland, and have taken steps to meet the demand for services in other languages.
This began with the development of our Language Policy in 2006, and then the launch of our Language Strategy in 2018. The strategy underpins future objectives and actions, while building on the legacy of our previous work.
The Language Strategy commits the council to taking action on:
- Irish
- Ulster Scots
- newcomer languages
- Sign Languages
- languages and communications for people with disabilities
Our strategy examines the use of these languages in engagement with residents and in signage, branding, forms, social media and our website.
Getting a copy of the language strategy
If you would like to read the language strategy, a citizen's summary of the language strategy or an Easy Read version, you can ask for our documents by email: equality@belfastcity.gov.uk.
Irish Language Festival 2021
For the festival in 2021, we showcased videos from four people who work in the Irish language sector. In these videos, they speak in Irish about their jobs and have advice for young people considering a career using Irish.
Pádraig Mac Mathúna is an editor and translator working on texts for the school curriculum. This video plays for two minutes and 19 seconds.
Caoimhe Ní Chathail is a freelance video and radio journalist. This video plays for three minutes and 13 seconds.
Pádraig Mac Congáil is the manager of an arts and cultural centre. This video plays for four minutes and 36 seconds.
Gráinne Ní Ghilín is the manager of an arts and cultural centre in Belfast. This video plays for five minutes and 36 seconds.