Irish Traveller, Shelta in United Kingdom

Introduction / History

There are a couple of different Irish Travellers, but all are nomadic. One of them speaks Shelta, a language that blends a traditional Irish language with English. The syntax and grammar are like English, but the vocabulary contains words from Roma, Gaelic and other languages. It’s a secret language which Irish Travellers do not want outsiders to understand.

What Are Their Lives Like?

Because of their nomadic lifestyle, the Irish Travellers often find themselves unwelcome. Their lifestyle makes it so their children cannot get adequate education and none of them have good health care. They have a high incident of driving fatalities. Marriage happens soon after puberty.
Irish Travellers value toughness and fighting. They excel in bare knuckle boxing, which is their way to settle disputes and uphold honor.
Their lack of a stable home means they have a high unemployment rate. Irish Travellers make their money by breeding dogs, trading horses or selling scrap metal.

What Are Their Beliefs?

The Irish Travellers are Roman Catholic.

What Are Their Needs?

The Irish Travellers have many needs which won’t be addressed so long as they refuse to settle in one place.

Prayer Points

Pray for a spiritual revival throughout the UK and Ireland that will put Christ first in the hearts and minds of Irish Travellers.
Pray for disciples to make more disciples who make even more disciples.
Pray for workers who will live with the Irish Travellers and teach them marketable skills.

Text Source:   Joshua Project