167 TONGUES; Everything from Acholi to Zulu spoken in Ireland.

Byline: By DECLAN FERRY

THERE are 167 languages being spoken in Ireland, research has revealed.

The surge in foreign languages has amazed experts from the Irish Association of Applied Linguistics (IAAL).

The research was carried out by Co Kildare's National University of Ireland Maynooth.

NUI Maynooth language centre director and IAAL president Anne Gallagher said: "I expect-ed between 100 and 130 languages. But I don't think anyone expected 167."

Irish people are likely to come across languages such as Acholi - spoken in Uganda and Sudan - or Zulu. The research was compiled from statistics held at the Office of the Refugee Applications Commissioner, translation firms and schools. Ms Gallagher said the rise in the number of languages will create many challenges for the authorities who will have to provide resources for translation services.

The study was discussed at a conference on languages at NUI Maynooth at the weekend which heard that the lack of translation services was a major problem for immigrants.

Dublin City University linguistics lecturer Mary Phelan said there was a huge demand for interpreters in state authorities in areas such as the courts, Garda stations and health services.

She added: "People offering their services don't always see a need for training because authorities are not looking for standards."

Mary Ruane, University College Dublin applied language centre director, said the lack of quality English language tuition for immigrants is another issue.

She added: "We have to ensure they get good quality English language tuition."

[e-mail]