Learning Irish Gaelic?

davecolorado72 · 9th February 08, 10:49 PM

I am trying to find an in-depth language course for learning to speak Irish Gaelic. I have found some books but they haven't been very helpful. Anyone have any suggestions for me? Have you learned or are you learning it? What curriculum are you using? Thanks for your help!

**slohairt** · 9th February 08, 11:20 PM

Dia Dhuit, A Dhaibhid,

I have a reasonably good knowledge of the language, academically speaking. Both of my parents are native Irish speakers and I studied it at school (in Ireland). Unfortunately, I have had little opportunity to use it. My parents never use it and didn't bother teaching very much of it to my sister and I. They came from that generation which frowned upon (consciously or unconsciously) Irish as a "peasant" language. In addition, they speak the Ulster dialect, and I learned the Connacht dialect at school, which causes some difficulties in conversations.

So, my best advice would be to pick one of the three main dialects (Ulster, Munster, and Connacht) and stick with it. I don't know where in Colorado you live, but find out if there are any Irish organisations in the state like Cairde or even Conradh na Gaeilge. They may offer courses or know of someone who does.

davecolorado72 · 9th February 08, 11:26 PM

I am around the Colorado Springs area. My family came from Cork so I imagine Munster would be best. I would like to have more of a conversational ability. Right now I just know phrases.

**beloitpiper** · 10th February 08, 02:29 AM

Originally Posted by davecolorado72

I am around the Colorado Springs area. My family came from Cork so I imagine Munster would be best. I would like to have more of a conversational ability. Right now I just know phrases.

family origins may not be the best reason to choose a dialect. The Connacht dialect is the most widely spoken. Online, I would recommend Daltai na Gaeilge (http://www.daltai.com/home.htm).

davecolorado72 · 10th February 08, 02:37 AM

Awesome man, thanks for that. Will check it out.

**JimB** · 14th February 08, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

family origins may not be the best reason to choose a dialect. The Connacht dialect is the most widely spoken. Online, I would recommend Daltai na Gaeilge (http://www.daltai.com/home.htm).

That's a great one. Thank you!

**BoldHighlander** · 9th February 08, 11:39 PM

Originally Posted by davecolorado72

I am trying to find an in-depth language course for learning to speak Irish Gaelic. I have found some books but they haven't been very helpful. Anyone have any suggestions for me? Have you learned or are you learning it? What curriculum are you using? Thanks for your help!

If it was Scots Gaelic I could point out a number of resources....sorry

But I'd echo what Slohairt said about finding a Colorado Irish group. If nothing else locate the Irish heritage group in Colorado (just about every state has one) and I'm sure they could point you to a group.

For a number of years I wanted to learn Gaelic. I'm sure that there is an Irish group in Washington, but it seem's that the Scots Gaelic community here is more organized & visible with Slighe nan Gaidheal leading the charge.
So after a couple false starts I took the bull by the horns & organized the first local meeting of a Scots Gaelic study group in my town (with the new president of Slighe nan Gaidheal as a member!).

That's something else, don't get discouraged if there isn't a group close by, just put the word out & I'd be willing to bet you'll find interested parties out there.

Good luck!