A year ago today I started learning Gaelic. It's one of the best things I have ever done; it's a fascinating language and perhaps this is why my enthusiasm hasn't waned! I have a 366-day Duolingo streak to prove it:
I have previously studied German and Russian, however neither language had the same impact on me that Gaelic has. From its poetic sounds to its deep cultural roots, I’ll share why I have become so passionate about the language.
Descriptive Nouns
Gaelic's evocative, often humorous, vocabulary is highly endearing. One of my favourite words is cailleach-oidhche, which is the term for 'owl'. However, it literally means 'night hag'! Likewise:
Melodic Intonation
Many Gaelic words have a melodic lilt, which is very charming and pleasant to hear. For example:
Madainn mhath, a h-uile duine! - pronounced 'matting var ah hoola doon-ya', is sublime. The word for sugar, is another example, 'siùcar' is pronounced 'shoo-cah'.
History
Gaelic is a language that is threatened with extinction. I've previously written about its precarious future. The Endangered Languages Project (ELP) considers Gaelic to be 'threatened'. (1) Gaelic's demise has been contrived by policy which sought to destroy it. Though many decades later, subsequent policies have attempted to reverse its decline; it may well be too little, too late.
‘Archy has a vivid memory of when he was very young sitting on his grandfather’s knees, gazing into his intensely blue eyes and white beard, and being told about the persecution the children were subjected to when his grandfather, Archibald, was a boy at school for speaking in Gaelic. They were severely belted and a tessera board (maide-crochaidh) was hung round their neck and if they had not betrayed another Gaelic speaking class-mate by 4 pm they got another belting. If the child had not handed over the board by the morning attendance at school another belting was administered and so on.’ (2)
As I wrote previously:
I sadly suspect it may be too late for Gaelic in Scotland, judging by the rapid decline of communities that actually use the language. This will only provide even more ammunition to those Scots who see it as antiquated, 'useless' and are apparently angered by the resources allocated to it. Much of this attitude appears to me to stem from politics, with some vehement unionists associating the language with supporters of Scottish independence. The truth is, like Welsh and 'Irish Gaelic', if it does disappear, it will not have 'died'...it will have been murdered.
To me, learning Gaelic poses an interesting challenge and a fun hobby for my partner and I. It will hopefully keep our minds active and make Gaelic culture and history more accessible. It also has the added benefit of allowing me to troll those who like to refer to me as a Sassenach or jokingly tell me to go back down south; after all, what true Scotsman can be content speaking English, and not his native tongue?
I have chosen to make Scotland my home. I am hoping to retire to the Outer Hebrides, too (God willing), in which case I have a duty to learn the language.
sgian-achlais - armpit knife v sgian-dubh
My Second Year of Gaelic
In my second year of learning, I want to double my commitment. I have spent approximately 45 minutes a day learning the language. I'll endeavour to make that 1.5 hours, and I'm hoping that in a year's time I will be able to consume Gaelic media, which will make the learning process easier and more fun.
I have found Duolingo to be the best way to learn, simply because I can work at my own pace and at a time which suits me. In addition to Duolingo, I am using Gaelic With Jason for the same reason.
(1) https://www.endangeredlanguages.com/lang/gla
(2) https://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-3.2.2
