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Gaelic/GaidhligWhether you come to the Outer Hebrides as a visitor or to live, pretty soon you'll hear folks speaking quite a different language. Particularly the older generation. And you'll see signs with placenames you aren't sure how to pronounce... This is the Gaelic language. Gaelic, both Irish and Scottish, is one of the oldest spoken languages in Europe. It was brought to Scotland by the Dal Riata immigrants from Ireland around 4-500 AD and soon spread throughout most of Scotland, including the Outer Hebrides. Ireland, unlike the rest of Europe during this time, didn't go through 'dark ages' but her culture and learning spread - either through immigration of her populace or through the early Celtic Church monks such as Colum Cille on Iona. Until the Middle Ages, it was the language of the Scottish Court and education. It is a beautiful language to listen to, either spoken - in the poetry and stories - or songs - all so highly esteemed in the culture of the Gael. The first time I heard Gaelic poetry recited, I fell in love with it and wanted to learn. How to go about learning Gaelic?Before I came up here, I trawled the internet looking for information on how or where I could learn Gaelic. First, I found a book by Boyd Robertson "Teach Yourself Gaelic" When I got it several years ago, it came with two cassette tapes. Now it comes with a CD. It's well laid out and easy to follow. I spent about two weeks in a bothy in Balquidder Glen in the Trossachs with this - it took me that long to figure out how the pronunciation fit to the spelling. And then it dawned on me - throw out anything you know about English letter combinations and how they are pronounced and it's easier to grasp!Later on, the Gaelic college in the Isle of Skye, Sabhal Mor Ostaig, began offering 'distant access courses' (An Cursa Inntrigidh). The course is accessed through conference calls weekly with your assigned tutor to the college. Once a month, there is a 'regional' tutorial which lasts a whole day (mine was in London, strangely enough!) and then 2-3 times during the 10-month long course, there are the intensive weekends at the College (though seeing folks unload their musical instruments for the Saturday night ceilidh told me their priorities weren't necessarily language learning!). Meanwhile, the course texts are accessed through the website where the students can download the lessons and homework is set. You do the written exercises and email these to your tutor as well as record yourself doing the exercises - and sending these as attachments as well (embarrassing!). It was interesting as well as great fun! Lews Castle College also offer different access courses in Gaelic too, as well as the same Gaelic and culture degree courses at SMO. Both colleges are part of the UHI (University of the Highlands and Islands) network. Sabhal Mor Ostaig, the Gaelic College Gaelic in the Home/Gaidhlig San DhachaidhGaelic in the Home or Gaidhlig San Dachaidh uses what is known as 'TPR' methods, or 'Total Physical Response' or Total Immersion Plus. The idea being, you learn a language like a child does - through hearing, repetition, and demonstration. There is no grammar, reading, writing or translation and you can become fluent in conversational Gaelic in 200 hours instead of 2000 hours. Reading and writing are taught at a much later stage, as like a child. This method works particularly well for learning Gaelic as it's very difficult to get fluent as English is used so much in the shops and daily life. If you go to Italy, for example, you will pick up Italian much quicker as English isn't used very much and Italian is spoken everywhere, so you get naturally immersed in the language.There are various subjects used as a medium to teach Gaelic - like cooking, sewing, fishing - anything really that a tutor may be an expert in. The point is - the hobby or skill is using Gaelic. Initially, the classes use activities about the home, like making a cup of tea to learn basic Gaelic. At first, you don't understand a thing - but don't worry! It's supposed to happen that way - you just keep repeating what the tutor says and you'll get it. Most students find that they start understanding after about 20 hrs of sessions. Currently, there are three groups going in Lewis - Uig, Stornoway and Breasclete. There are various groups already set up on the mainland. I am not sure if there are groups in the southern part of the Western Isles and perhaps someone seeing this website who knows can contact me so I can put up the appropriate contact information. The Stornoway group is still looking for tutors. You don't have to read or write Gaelic, but just speak native (or fluently). Breaking News for the Stornoway Group!! We are now offering three sessions per week at the following: Tuesday evening at Ardseileach Centre, Stornoway from 7pm – 9pm; and Wednesday evening at St. Moluag’s Church, Tong from 7pm – 9pm Thursday evening at Ardseileach Centre, Stornoway from 7pm - 9pm
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