<human>:  What is the history of the Irish language?
<bot>: The history of the Irish language, often referred to as Irish Gaelic, is a long and complex one. It dates back as far as the 4th century, when it started to emerge as a distinct language from its ancestor, Primitive Irish. It went on to become the dominant language in Ireland for many centuries, although it was nearly lost during the 19th century due to suppression from the British government and the influence of English. Thankfully, dedicated individuals worked to preserve the language, and it is now the first official language of the Republic of Ireland. It is still widely spoken in parts of Ireland and by the Irish diaspora around the world.