Learning Irish, is that bad?

[ktaylo12]

With many futile attempts to find an effective outlet to learn Scots Gaelic (books, cd's, classes, websites, one on one language practice) I have decided to borrow a friend's cd set on how to speak conversational Irish.
I have had the privilege of having a wonderful family who has done extensive genealogical research and we can trace our heritage back to Wales and even further back to Scotland. I know this sounds silly but my heart was set on learning Scots Gaelic. Do you think I am copping out by learning Irish? Note: I am not trying to say that Irish is second class to Scots Gaelic, its only a matter of preference.

[beloitpiper]

The fact is, only about 1% of Scotland speaks Gaelic. There's about 1,000 Gaelic speakers in America. What I'm saying is that finding resources is going to be difficult, and the only way to really learn a language as obscure as Gaelic would be to live on Lewis for a few years.

Welsh, on the other hand, is a bit more active. There's even a Welsh Rosetta Stone program...

[seanachie]

I have cousins who live in Moycullen in Galway and teach Irish in school in Clifden. They have given me a good razz and say they speak English as their 2nd language. Though I do not speak Irish they use it in standard conversation all the time, which is pleasant to hear, and I am sure makes it much easier to learn. It can help with road signs as well as the faeries have been sometimes known to reverse the English language road signs in Connemara.

[Chirs]

I do not know what on-line resources they have but you might want to look into the University of Toronto, Celtic Studies (Arts program) http://www.artsandscience.utoronto.c...ar/prg_smc.htm

[JOHNNY FAIRLESS]

I think it's a great idea if ya have the time. When I visited the west of Ireland I had strangers decide to teach me Gaelic on several occassions. I even had a girl tell me she couldn't understand what I was saying, and I was speaking proper English ! Granted I was on a Gaelic speaking island. Anyway- it sounds like a good challenge. Good luck.

[cavscout]

This is a pod cast series that might be helpful.

http://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/o...sh/id269762800

and it appears they now have a Gaelic series

http://radiolingua.com/category/shows/oml-gaelic/

[marvelredneck]

It might be a good start to help you speak Scots Gaelic as well, as the languages are so similar, by the time you get around to Scots, it will be much easier. Plus, there is MUCH more material in Irish than Scots. They have TV programs, radio programs, books, newspapers, etc. all of which you can access online pretty easily. I think it's a great idea.

[Duke of Delrio]

The addition of any language to your first language is of such enormous benefit, that I doubt it can be overstated. Go with whichever language is offered with the most resources to help you get into it. Other languages can follow. Just remember, the great hurdle to be overcome in learning any second language is not especially dependent upon anything other than your beginning to "think" in that language once you have the rudiments of grammar and vocbulary. I believe it was C.S. Lewis who said "that is the Rubicon which must be crossed in the learning of any language."

Good Luck with it, whatever your choice.

[Skipper1]

As for learning Irish you might want to check out this page:http://www.philo-celtic.com/ The society offers a series of courses via the internet to help students as well as many great resources and an active discussion group. Tá fáilte roimh gách éinne. Is Mise Tadhg

[MacSpadger]

If you want to learn Scots Gàidhlig there's heaps of free online resources. The BBC Alba stuff is great on it's own, all of it:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/alba/foghlam/learngaelic/

But if that's not enough, here's a list of plenty more from Sabhal Mòr Ostaig;

http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaidhlig/ionnsachadh/

You can also listen to Radio nan Gàidheal online.