In Northern Ireland a language can feel like a badge of which side you are from. Linda Ervine has spent fifteen years showing that it does not have to be.

Linda grew up in a working-class Protestant community in east Belfast. In 2011 she joined a short Irish course for a cross-community women's group run by the East Belfast Mission, and the classes she went on to start became Turas, now Belfast's largest Irish language centre, with over 600 learners a week, most of them from Protestant and unionist backgrounds. She was made an MBE in 2021 and has honorary doctorates from Queen's University Belfast and Trinity College Dublin.

Linda will talk about the importance of the Irish language to all cultures in Northern Ireland, followed by questions from the floor.

As Humanists, we value empathy, respect for one another's rights and feelings, and the shared humanity that connects people of every culture and tradition. Listening to each other's stories and heritage is one way we put those values into practice.

Our talks are friendly and informal, and open to everyone, whether you call yourself a humanist or are simply curious. Light refreshments provided. New faces are always welcome, so bring a friend.

Places are free, but registration is essential. This event is free to attend, but we welcome any donations, which help with our running costs.

ACCESS DETAILS

Step-free access is by the entrance at the rear of the hall, up a permanent ramp with handrails on both sides (the door is heavy and pulls open). The side entrance has four steps, with handrails.

There is an accessible unisex toilet with level access, 5 metres from the rear entrance.

Free parking at the Abbey Street car park, about 200 metres away. There are no on-street Blue Badge bays and no drop-off point. There is a bus stop within 150 metres.