seachtain na gaeilge

[Finn]

Wow. I had no idea that I missed the week. I had used a few phrases in the lead up to St. Patrick's Day.

I have found it difficult to learn it. That's on me though. LOL!

[Blackrose87]

Wow. I had no idea that I missed the week. I had used a few phrases in the lead up to St. Patrick's Day.

I have found it difficult to learn it. That's on me though. LOL!

It was set up by Conradh an Gaelige in 1903, but in the last 10-15 years there's been a huge increase in marketing for it.

The organisation running it try o promote th language in schools and everyday life. They also release an album every year with popular Irish bands singing thier songs as Gaelige. It's called Ceol If anyone's interested.

[denmcdough]

I have found it difficult to learn it. That's on me though. LOL!

Ditto! I know a few phrases, but find it to be a terribly difficult language. I do have all the tapes and books, but still have problems. I need to, actually, have someone who speaks it and can answer questions that I might have.

[Blackrose87]

It must be quite hard learning it outside of Ireland. Although its not widely spoken, it still is very present in every day life, with road signs, government buildings, schools, churchs etc all having their name in English and Irish.

Then there's the Irish language programmes on TV. So it seems a lot easier to learn when you've grown up with that around you.

The last time I saw in Belfast, I saw there was a cafe opened in the Gaelteact an Bheal Feirste down the Falls Road. The idea is to have a place where people can meet and converse solely in Irish, whether theyre fluent or only beginners.

Perhaps if enough people were interested, similiar events could be started in America. It's a great way to learn the language.

[Nick the DSM]

In fact, there is. Arizona has Gaidhlig immersion week and Grandfather mountain hosts a similar event as well.

Of course, Canada has events as well.

I've been trying myself to get a hold of the language. Slowly rising out of beginner with help from a native speaker and another friend who is learning as well. Helps to have a group and try to use a few phrases each time.

[CMcG]

About 20 years ago, I had a pitiful command of phrasebook Gaelic, but I'm sorry to say that it has since degraded to pub phrases only.

In honour of Seachtain na Gaeilge I've downloaded and started reading Lady Augusta Gregory's curated text of Cuchulain. If I can get to pronounce half of the names right, I'll be happy For anyone who hasn't seen it, there is a free internet archive called Sacred Texts containing a healthy Celtic section of myths, poems, epics, stories, etc. They even have a few offerings in Gaelic, for those who would like to practice reading:

http://sacred-texts.com/neu/celt/index.htm

[CMcG]

And here is a somewhat more scholarly (also free) database including many texts in Irish:

http://www.ucc.ie/celt/publishd.html