I was just looking around on the forum, and the question was buzzing in my head. Were would I start if I was interesting in learning Gaelic? Just start off by translating a dictionary or are there classes to take? So confusing!
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Well, that would just depend on what options are available to you! Personally, I am self-taught. There are no classes anywhere near me, so I had to purchase some grammar books and dictionaries (there are several good ones available if you can afford them). I've also done some work on some excellent web sites devoted to Gaelic. Let me do some checking and i will try to supply you with some links tomorrow (time permitting). THere may be classes where you live, so look around and/or check on-line! I am going ot try to start posting some new lessons. Dannan had some posted, but I'm not sure where whe was getting hers from, so I intend to start a new series of lessons for anyone who is interested! Stay tuned...
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Slàn agus beannachd, Allen R. Alderman
'S i Alba tìr mo chridhe. 'S i Gàidhlig cànan m' anama. Scotland is the land of my heart. Gaelic is the language of my soul.
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I've started with a textbook I found, "Teach Yourself: Gaelic" Nice generic title, but it really helps with getting started. There are also several good threads around here
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The one I have is a text book, and as such it goes over gramatical structure and what have you. Then it has a short conversation followed by translations of new material, and then some exercises and quizzes. There's a couple of audio cassettes with it too that help.
I agree with Aaediewen that Teach Yourself Gaelic is a good place to get started. It is the most readily available book here in the US. If you are able to order books, some other good ones which are only availabe by order are Bun Chursa Gaidhlig (which means A Basic Course in Gaelic, good book but no tapes ), Cothrom Ionnsachaidh (which means A Chance to Learn, excellent book but again no tapes) and Scottish Gaelic in 3 Months (the title is a joke, but the book is good, and comes with 2 tapes).
You'll also need to decide if you want to learn Scots Gaelic or Irish Gealic. They are similar, but not really the same. I have a computer program which I purchased to learn Irish. It's been some time since I've practiced, and only did it for a short time, so there is much I've forgotten. I plan to start back up again, sometime. I have a whole folder of Irish Gaelic links. I too will post some once I have time, including a link to the Irish computer program.
Hi there Avonlea! I didn't know that you were a student of the Irish! I am so glad! As you probably know I was recently appointed mod of the Gaelic forums! However, my area is Scottish Gaelic! But I want to create an atmosphere which encourages all of the Celtic Languages! I will be depending heavily on you guys who are learning the Irish to help out with other learners, since I won't be able to answer their questions, okay!
Well, since I haven't studied it very much, I don't know how much I can help. I'm still at the very early stages of learning; trying to gather the resources to learn it on my own. I haven't had any luck finding classes in my area. Maybe when I move to NC I'll find something there.