Sir, – I have been following with increasing disappointment the recent letters about the decline of multilingualism in Ireland, and the defeatist attitudes of some readers on this subject. For the sake of balance, I’d like to offer some insight into my own language journey as an Irish person. I was brought up speaking Irish in Dublin, where I’m now raising my own child through the language.I often feel that I am “ag snámh in aghaidh easa” (swimming against the tide) in my efforts, yet it is deeply rewarding being able to converse with my two-year-old as Gaeilge. We even seem to inspire others when we’re out and about: bus drivers, baristas, neighbours and shopkeepers often join our conversations to use their own Irish. These interactions are always friendly and I appreciate how they help to normalise Irish for my son.Reaching and maintaining fluency in a second language is a personal choice, even for those of us raised bilingually. In a predominantly English-speaking society, there is little “need” for most of us in Ireland to do so. But languages are about more than utility. If the countless interactions I’ve had in recent years with strangers are anything to go by, the ability to step out of English – the dominant language of the online world – is a source of real-world joy, stimulation and connection for many. In our increasingly anxious and lonely society, is this not something to celebrate and cherish? – Yours, etc,MÉABH NÍ CHOILEÁIN,Terenure,Dublin.