Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill facts for kids
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill (Irish pronunciation: [ˈn̪ˠuəlˠə n̠ʲiː ˈɣoːnˠəl̠ʲ]; born in 1952) is a famous modern Irish poet. Her works have played a big part in making the Irish language popular again in modern poetry.
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About Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill was born in Lancashire, England, but her parents were Irish. When she was 5 years old, she moved to Ireland. She grew up in the Corca Dhuibhne Gaeltacht (an area where Irish is the main language) and in Nenagh, County Tipperary.
Her uncle, Monsignor Pádraig Ó Fiannachta, was an expert in the Munster Irish dialect. Even though her mother spoke Irish, she raised Nuala to speak English. Her father and his family spoke Irish every day. However, her mother thought speaking only English would make life easier for Nuala.
Her Studies and Early Career
In 1969, Nuala studied English and Irish at University College Cork (UCC). She became part of a group of poets called 'Innti'. In 1973, she married Doğan Leflef, a Turkish geologist. They lived abroad in Turkey and Holland for seven years.
Becoming a Published Poet
After returning to County Kerry in 1980, Nuala published her first book of poems in Irish. It was called An Dealg Droighin (1981). Later, she became a member of Aosdána, a group that honours Irish artists.
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill has written many works. These include poetry books, plays for children, screenplays, and essays. Some of her other well-known poetry collections are Féar Suaithinseach (1984), Feis (1991), and Cead Aighnis (1998).
Her poems have also been translated into English. These translations appear in books like Rogha Dánta/Selected Poems (1986, 1988, 1990), The Astrakhan Cloak (1992), and Pharaoh's Daughter (1990). Her poem 'Mo Ghrá-Sa (Idir Lúibini)' is even part of the Irish curriculum for the Leaving Certificate exam.
Nuala writes her poetry only in Irish. She believes that "Irish is a language of beauty, historical significance, ancient roots and an immense propensity for poetic expression through its everyday use." Besides Irish, she also speaks English, Turkish, French, German, and Dutch very well.
Themes in Her Poetry
Ní Dhomhnaill's writings often focus on Ireland's rich oral tradition and heritage. She uses old stories from Irish folklore and Irish mythology. She combines these ancient tales with modern ideas about feminism, identity, and culture.
Her poetry often creates an alternative reality. She frequently talks about why she chooses to retell and reimagine myths. These myths are a very important part of Irish literature and Irish culture. Ní Dhomhnaill has said that "Myth is a basic, fundamental structuring of our reality, a narrative that we place on the chaos of sensation to make sense of our lives."
Personal Life
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill's husband passed away in 2013. She now lives near Dublin. She is often heard on Irish radio and seen on television.
Awards and Honours
Nuala Ní Dhomhnaill has received many awards and scholarships throughout her career. She has also won several international awards. Her works have been translated into many languages, including French, German, Polish, Italian, Norwegian, Estonian, and Japanese.
She is one of Ireland's most famous writers in the Irish language. From 2001 to 2004, she was the Ireland Professor of Poetry. She was also the first Professor of Irish (language) Poetry. In March 2018, she received the Zbigniew Herbert International Literary Award for her amazing achievements in poetry.
