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Mod's fluent youth speaks volumes for Gaelic education

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Published Date: 17 October 2007
By MURRAY MACLEOD
THE continued success of Gaelic-medium education is providing organisers of the Royal National Mod with a welcome headache - how to cope with the huge number of children who are now being classed as fluent.
This year has witnessed a significant swelling in numbers in the junior native speakers' section, to such an extent that organisers have now been forced to extend some of the competitions beyond one day.

Tuesday of the Mod week has traditionally
been reserved for pupils who have a strong grasp of the language, but some of these competitions have this year been moved to the Monday due to the high number of entries.

There have been a number of educational developments over recent years, such as the opening of dedicated Gaelic primaries in Glasgow and Inverness, and a further 103 Gaelic-medium units in primary schools throughout the country, supporting a total of 2,092 pupils.

John MacLeod, the president of the Mod organiser An Comunn Gaidhealach, said: "It is fair to say that the increase in fluent competitions is a direct result of the improvements in Gaelic-medium education. There are more and more kids coming through who are falling into the classification of fluent. That is highly encouraging and is something we welcome, but it is creating a problem for us.

"For the first time this year we held some of the fluent competitions on the Monday.

"I don't know how we deal with it if it continues to expand, which we hope it will, other than continue to extend it over the one day and maybe into Wednesday."

An Comunn has decided to introduce a new element to this year's events which should provide the children's section with even greater recognition.

Led by a group of pipers, the competing children from Monday and yesterday will march through Fort William town centre to gather at a grassy knoll known as the Parade where they will collectively display their singing ability to an anticipated large crowd.

Murdo Morrison, the Mod promotions manager, said the organisers "just wanted to do something for the kids".

He added: "We have had high praise for moving some of the competitions from Tuesday to Monday. We moved some of the folk groups to Monday, the first time we've done that with the children's competitions, and it is simply because of pressure of numbers. There has been a very high standard and it's been as a result of the increase of fluent speakers coming through from the Gaelic medium."

Meanwhile, in the competitions, the isle of Lewis proved it was still top of the class when it comes to producing solo singers in the traditional mould, with both the female and male event for traditional singing won by youngsters from the island. They were 18-year-old Colin George Morrison from Barvas and 17-year-old Charlotte Campbell from Laxdale.

MOD RESULTS - TUESDAY

ORAL (FLUENT SPEAKERS)

Poetry Recitation (13-15): 1. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir. 2. Christina L MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail. (11-12): 1. Sean M Brady, Sgoil Chairinis. 2. Eilidh NicCarmaig, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. (9-10): 1. Sharyn Ferguson, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Kathryn Nic a' Mhaoilein, Sgoil Charlabhaigh. (7-8): 1. Claire Francis NicNill, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil. 2. Alex John Moireasdan, Bun-sgoil Bharabhais Rev Donald Stewart, Duntulm, Memorial Quaich (5-6): 1. Mairi Callan, Fernhill School. 2. Domhnall Lachlann Peutan, Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige. Prose Reading (13-15): 1. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 2. Eilidh NicFhraing, Ard-sgoil Phort Rìgh. (under 13): 1. Brighde Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 2. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness. Conversation (13-15): 1. Eilidh NicFhraing, Ard-sgoil Phort Rìgh. 2. Fiona Rennie, Sgoil MhicNeacail. (11-12): 1. Meg Buchanan, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir. 2. (equal) David MacLeod, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu, and Eilidh NicCarmaig, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. (9-10): 1. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Eoghann Peutan, Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige. (5-6): 1. Domhnall Lachlann Peutan, Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige. 2. Alexander Ferguson, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil. Storytelling (13-15): 1. Iain Murdo Mac a' Mhaoilein, Sgoil Shiaboist. 2. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir. (11-12): 1. Annabel MacLennan, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Sean M Brady, Sgoil Chairinis. (9-10): 1. Mairi MacLennan, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Sharyn Ferguson, Coisir Og a' Bhac. (5-6): 1. Marsaili Anna NicNill, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil. Bible Reading (13-15): 1. Mairi Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 2. Calum MacLeod, City of Edinburgh Music School. (11-12): 1. Katy Graham, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness. (9-10): 1. Brighde Chaimbeul, Sgoil Shleite. 2. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac. Folk Tale (13-15): 1. Eilidh Munro, Glasgow Islay Junior Gaelic Choir. (11-12): 1. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness. 2. Sean M Brady, Sgoil Chairinis. (9-10): 1. Rowan Dhomhnullach, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. 2. Eoghan MacLeoid, Sgoil Bhagh a' Chaisteil.

CHORAL (FLUENT SPEAKERS)

Two-part Harmony: Oban Times Challenge Trophy (13-18): 1. Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Sir E Scott School. Mrs Ann Grant of Laggan Memorial Trophy (under 13): 1. Sir E Scott School. 2. Coisir Og a' Bhac. Port-a-Beul: Belle Campbell Trophy (13-18): 1. Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Sir E Scott School. Mrs Schroder Cup (under 13): 1. Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Sir E Scott School. Unison: Mrs Campbell Blair Trophy (13-18): 1. Sir E Scott School. 2. Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. Angus M. Ross Trophy for Gaelic - Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. Rev Archie M. Beaton Trophy: Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. Heather K Moore Cup for music: Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. Donald Morrison Memorial Award: Ard-sgoil MhicNeacail. Aberfoyle and District Branch Trophy (under 13): 1. Sir E Scott School. 2. Coisir Bun-sgoil Crois na Cise. Donald Morrison Memorial Award: Sir E Scott School.

VOCAL SOLOS (FLUENT SPEAKERS)

An Comunn Gaidhealach Silver Medal, Girls (13-15): 1. Kirsten Whitfield, Falkirk Junior Gaelic Choir. 2. Jayne Morrison, Sir E Scott. (11-12): 1. Eilidh NicCarmaig, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. 2. Kristina MacDonald, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. Nancy Craik Memorial Trophy (9-10): 1. Amy Heron, Bun-sgoil Crois na Cise. 2. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac. An Comunn Gaidhealach Silver Medal, Boys (13-15): 1. John Murdo MacAmhlaigh, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Ruairidh MacCarmaig, Ard-sgoil Phort Righ. (11-12): 1. Kenneth Rankin, Ard-sgoil a' Phluic. 2. Fraser Munro, Bun-sgoil Innis an Uillt. Roy Wentworth Gold Medal (9-10): 1. Simon MacDonald, Bun-sgoil Crois na Cìse. 2. Eoghann Peutan, Bun-sgoil Cnoc na Creige. Boys and Girls (7-8): 1. Eilidh Jenkins, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 2. Rona F NicNeacail, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. (5-6): 1. Mairi Callan, Fernhill School. 2. Chloe MacKinnon, Bun-sgoil Phort Righ. Traditional: Hugh and Rachel Morrison Taylor Trophy, Girls (16-18): 1. Charlotte Campbell, Sgoil Mhic Neacail. 2. Catherine Tinney, Ardsgoil Phort Righ. Ann Kelly MacDonald Memorial Trophy, Boys and girls (13-15): 1. Kim NicDhomhnaill, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 2. Ruairidh MacCarmaig, Ard-sgoil Phort Righ. TSB Scotland Shield (Under 13): 1. Isabelle Bain, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Saffron Hanvidge, Inverness.

VOCAL SOLOS (FLUENT and LEARNERS)

Girls (16-18): 1. Maria MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Catherine Tinney, Ardsgoil Phort Righ. Boys (16-18): 1. Philip Todd, Thurso High School. 2. Colin George Morrison, Sgoil MhicNeacail. Turriff Trophy for Gaelic: Maria MacLeod, Sgoil MhicNeacail. Meryl Mae Stewart Memorial Trophy for music: Philip Todd, Thurso High School. Precenting a Psalm: Allan C. MacLeod Memorial Trophy (Under 19): 1. Kayanna Mhoireasdan, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Angela Nic A' Ghobhainn, Sgoil MhicNeacail. Jonathan MacDonald, Kilmuir, Trophy (Under 13): 1. Robert MacDhomhnaill, Sgoil Stafainn. 2. Katy Graham, Coisir Og a' Bhac.

DUETS (FLUENT SPEAKERS)

(16-18): 1. Colin George Morrison & Amanda MacAskill, Sgoil MhicNeacail. 2. Eilidh MacLeman & Charlotte Campbell. (13-15): 1. Alice Inglis, Strathallan, & Kim NicDhomhnaill, Sgoil Ghaidhlig Ghlaschu. 2. Jayne Morrison & Catherine MacLeod, Sir E Scott. (under 13): 1. Annabel MacLennan & Mairi MacLennan, Coisir Og a' Bhac. 2. Kirsty Gaughan & Finlay Gunniffe, Bun-sgoil Crois na Cise.



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  • Last Updated: 16 October 2007 9:02 PM
  • Source: The Scotsman
  • Location: Edinburgh
  • Related Topics: Royal National Mod
 
1

Navvy,

17/10/2007 00:43:20

most popular girla name seems to be Eilidh

Interstingly ther are Angliscised Christian names mixed with Gaelicised surnames

2

Boy Wonder,

17/10/2007 04:12:25

Sgoil MhicNeacail can't be a name. It must be a category or something like that. I get peed off with Gaelic because it's pronounced differently that it looks. The old festival of Samhain is NOT Sam Hain ... it's more like Sow-an. And that's one of the easier ones. All those unnecessary letters too. Is MacDhomhnaill, McDonald perchance?

Naah! Too tiring ... plus there's all those loan-words because something like television or helicopter doesn't translate.

I applaud people who learn the Gaelic and can entertain with it like at the Mod ... but I find it hard going. And my great-granny spoke it!!! :((

3

Hugo, Ayrshire,

17/10/2007 04:50:21

Good news inded.

What a lovely problem for the Mod to be faced with. Much better than the problem of a significant fall in numbers.

4

JB2003,

Hong Kong 17/10/2007 05:41:29

I can't believe we spend money on teaching people gaelic.

5

Brideun,

Black Isle 17/10/2007 06:36:04

The current over promotion of gaelic is far too costly with nil economic benefit to the individual and to the nation. I have no particular axe to grind concerning this apart from the cost so if someone requires to learn the language why not provide a free dvd language course. This cannot be expensive as it could probably be distributed free attached to newspapers which do this regularly providing free films .

6

donald,

weegieland 17/10/2007 06:52:59

Has Hong Kong Phooie ever though of the cost in destroying Gaelic, not only in cash but in blood and tears?

Has he thought of the blood and cost to make Hong Kong British when the drug dealers stole it from China?

7

JB2003,

Hong Kong 17/10/2007 07:20:54

Where's the necessity in the Hong Kong Phooie nonsense donald?

I like how you're making out that the Brits saved Hong Kong when it was us that filled it with opium in the first place..... not one for historical accuracy are we? HK has nothing to do with it anyway. I don't see any point in throwing money at an essentially dead language. Let scholars study it but teach kids something more useful.

8

Andrew Scalloway,

Shetland 17/10/2007 07:29:12

Some ignorant comments here. The promotion of Gaelic does have an economic benefit for the individual...think of the opportunities in broadcasting and education. It revitalises local communities and promotes self-respect by inculcating a sense of history and culture (something Scotland needs). Sgoil Mhic Neacail is a school, and when was English ever pronounced as it was written? At least Gaelic is orthographically regular.

9

Robert E,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 07:29:23

#4, #5

How can you place a value on something as priceless as Gaelic?

10

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 07:35:43

I agree with JB, why do we have to throw cash down this essentially North Eastern money pit.

I hate every Thursday when BBC 2 becomes jibberish - I switch over.

I studied dead languages at school like ancient Greek and Latin, but at least they have some use, albeit small.

I just don't get the fascination with Gaelic - study it if you want but not with my taxes please.

11

Dave M,

17/10/2007 07:42:27

Nick

No Gaelic in the North East, I'm afraid.

I think Gaelic programmes are very well produced, particularily Eorpa and I welcome the renewed interest in the language.

12

Dboy,

Hyogo, Japan 17/10/2007 07:50:25

Negative comments about Gaelic never cease to amaze me. If you were talking about Hindi or Urdu your comments would be considered racist. Yet ironically more money is probably spent on catering to communities whose native language is not indigenous to this country. What's wrong with taking a pride in your heritage? It's saddening to hear that the most ardent haters of Gaelic are always the Scots themselves. Look at the pride the Welsh and Irish take in their language, hopefully one day we can take a step further to bringing it back from near extinction. Spending money on keeping it alive is intrinsic to maintaining a sense of Scottish identity. Learning another language also broadens the mind, some of the posters here might want to consider doing just that.

13

GordonJ,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 07:54:52

Gaelic is a language from the North West. Has never been spoken in the Central Belt (where the majority of Scots live) or North East. Absolute waste of time promoting it. Better to get the kids learning French, German or Spanish.

14

Dboy,

Hyogo, Japan 17/10/2007 08:08:28

No. 13. Wrong I'm afraid. You'll find Gaelic place names throughout Scotland. The North East had Gaelic speaking communities up until the late 1800s and the last native speaker in Strathdon, only 40 miles from Aberdeen, died in the 80s. What's your point anyway? Are you advocating that we all move to the central belt? If you learn one language well enough, learning another isn't so difficult. If kids were taught more about there own culture in Scotland we might not have generations of ignorant neeps not knowing anything about their own country-the vast majority of whom live in the central belt.

15

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 08:09:24

Sorry you're right North East is Doric - well still stop pumping public money into it - if it is that popular it'll still be spoken.

#12 And I don't believe our taxes should be used to promote Urdu or Hindi either. Which of course it isn't - the money used in those communities is to help with translating to English and providing services in language the users understand - it is not about spreading the use of those languages.

16

Dancer,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 08:11:41

The kids must have a lot of spare time on their hands to learn Gaelic. Must say though it is taught in Edinburgh at Tollcross Primary. I think there is a large roll of pupils whose parents specifically sent them there to learn it. Worth the cost I doubt it. It angers me to see this nonsense all over Scottish road signs and Scottish Government buildings. It’s no more than Gibberish, much the same as Vulcan really. I am Scottish and do not feel the need to wear Kilts or talk in tongues to prove it.

17

cuthbert,

17/10/2007 08:15:23

"I get peed off with Gaelic because it's pronounced differently that it looks."

No. Its pronounced EXACTLY the way it looks. Different languages have different sounds for different letters. English, on the other hand, is infamous for not being pronounced the way it looks - even by its own standards.

18

Jeeemy,

17/10/2007 08:16:14

GordonJ, Edinburgh#
Now, Now, young Gordon, your have fallen into step with the usual diatribe associated with the uneducated of the central belt.
The Gaelic was spoken within the central belt, albeit a bit before your time I admit, but non the less it was the language of a large part of the central belt before the gradual shift to lallans and English.
Research shows that many place names are in-fact English pronunciations of Gaelic place names.

19

cuthbert,

17/10/2007 08:16:19

"I have no particular axe to grind concerning this"
But youl wander on spouting nonsense anyway. Yes, of course theres no axe to grind.

20

cuthbert,

17/10/2007 08:17:27

"I just don't get the fascination with Gaelic - study it if you want but not with my taxes please."
What is it with you people? You seem to imagine that nobody in the country pays taxes but you.

21

albanman,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 08:18:48

Even though I don't speak the language, I believe it is a good thing that Gaelic is experiencing something of a resurgence. The small amount of money being used to promote its development is well spent. If there are Gaelic schools opening then it is obvious that there is a demand. As for those who bleat about Gaelic being a minority language, a healthy and democratic society considers everyone, not just the majority. More power to the Gaelic movement.

22

albanman,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 08:20:41

Oh, and some of BBC's Gaelic programmes have English subtitles for the likes of me, so I don't feel left out.

23

cuthbert,

17/10/2007 08:21:18

"Gaelic is a language from the North West. Has never been spoken in the Central Belt (where the majority of Scots live) or North East. Absolute waste of time promoting it."

Absolute nonsense - the kind of historical ignorance one gets used to reading in the comments for Gaelic related articles. Gaelics heartland in Scotland is Argyll. It WAS spoken in the Central belt (and the entirity of the mainland) historically. Do us all a favour and acquaint yourself with some decent books relating to the historic Scottish placenames (the vast majority of which are Gaelic and the vast majority of which are spread across the Lowlands - going roughly in a line from Galloway right up the East coast) as well as Scottish history generally.

It never ceases to amaze me how people spout nonsense as fact when the most basic flick through of a Nicolaisens Scottish Place Names would let them now the historical reality. But then theyd have to acknowledge some truths theyd really rather not.

24

GordonJ,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 08:31:38

#14 - My point is that Gaelic is a waste of time and is a fashion accessory more than anything else. Just because somewhere has a Gaelic place name, it doesn't mean the language was spoken there. The vast majority of people couldn't care less about Gaelic and the same goes for Doric.

25

Boy Wonder,

17/10/2007 08:48:13

I'd like to point out that the "Gaelic" that was spoken in "Scotland" pre 600ce or thereabouts, was actually "P" Celtic or British/Welsh ... whereas the Gaelic that is spoken nowadays in Scotland is the "Q" Celtic of the Scots who came from Northern Ireland circa 450-500ce ...

So no ... Gaelic was never as fully spoken in "Scotland" as is claimed. British "P" Celtic was spoken from Strathclyde to Brittany, albeit with varying dialects!

26

Alan Ogston,

Cambridgeshire 17/10/2007 08:51:32

I think it is good to learn other languages, but in the UK the official language is still UK English, and until the residents of the UK are proficient in their offical language they should not be allowed public funding to learn another. It is disgusting the number of forms and documents produced in this country by the government and councils in lanugauges other than English. Why does the tax office and companies house produce documents in Welsh (for example)? Are the Welsh businessmen not capable of understanding a form in English? Are there any UK natives still alive who have not been educated in English? With regards to immigrants, from personal experience having lived outside the UK, I could not and did not expect to be given official literature in English where this was not the official language. Millions of pounds would be saved and non english speakers would have an incentive to learn the language if the free money forms and advice forms were only in English. People wishing to take up residence in this country should have to have a high grade GCSE in English before given a residence permit or work permit

27

arnolalda,

Inverness 17/10/2007 08:59:17

I think everyone should be forced to learn English and that parents who want their children to learn Gaelic shouldn't be allowed because it's stupid and they're just doing it because it's a fashion accessory and not because it's something that defines their identity, makes them more confident, helps the children become bilingual and helps them performs better in education and in the workplace.

And for Gaelic on telly, I thnk it's an absolute disgrace that when I sit down to watch Make Your Play on ITV1 I have to sit through Gaelic programmes, where people speak Gaelic and play Scottish music and they're just playing the music because it's a fashion accessory and they don't really speak Gaelic anyway and they're just pretending and it's all a waste of time and a conspiracy, and where's the evidence that Scottish Gaelic was ever spoken in Scotland there's probably no such thing and they're just saying words that sound funny because it's a fashion accessory and anyway everyone should be just like me.

28

JB2003,

Hong Kong 17/10/2007 09:07:31

Here here arnolalda! I agree entirely. It's good to read that you also value useful and purposive education over frivolous nonsense....... :-/

Why don't we use the money for something tangible, like sorting out decrepit areas like Fife where unemployment is endemnic and folk are addicted to benefits? Or is that just a little bit to practical for the fancy dans of bonnie Alba - fair doos, let's just watch some cr@p gaelic telly and learn how to sing songs in a long since dead language...... how great it is to not be poor eh??

29

Ealasaid,

17/10/2007 09:12:15

'S math a rinn iad uile! Well done to all who competed!

What a pleasant change to read about a positive problem that the Comunn are facing. Long may it continue.

What a shame that the same heads with the same inane and ignorant opinions are here too. Some things will never change, gu mi-fhortanach.

30

Dboy,

Hyogo, Japan 17/10/2007 09:26:57

No. 22. Here, here. These threads have an over-abundance of ill-informed buffoons.

No.24. What do you suggest? Should we promote Welsh in schools? Personally I'm all for that too. If you read your pocket history book a few pages further you will discover that Gaelic gradually replaced the Brittonic spoken in Strathclyde and the Gododdin (Edinburgh).

No.23. 'Just because a place has a Gaelic name doesn't mean the language was spoken there'. ???? What else could it possibly mean. Check your facts. Better still check the meaning of the place names in a book and learn something about the country in which you live! The vast majority of those who learn Gaelic do so because it's part of their heritage not a fashion accessory, what a ridiculous comment. These people also pay tax to support people like you in your ill-informed bubble in the central belt. Take a pride in your country man. For years the English and central belters have tried their best in spreading the Scottish cringe factor throughout the country. People here talk as though millions upon millions were being hurled at Gaelic, if only that were the case the language wouldn't be in the state that it is.

31

Clach na h-Annait,

air allaban 17/10/2007 09:40:36

"Mod's fluent youth"????

I can't remember the last time I heard a child speaking the language fluently. I don't think they exist any more. An Comunn's standards are far too low.

It's important to bear in mind, too, that none of those kids would ever be so uncool as to speak Gaelic amongst themselves.

Chan eil ann ach am breug! Mar a b'abhaist. Nach ann air na Gaidheil a thainig an da latha, is 'spin' cho cumanta nar measg agus a tha a-nise.

32

,

17/10/2007 09:42:30
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason: Scotsman Import, Original comment id: 1062809, Article id was mapped to record!
33

GordonJ,

Edinburgh 17/10/2007 09:43:30

#30 - I think you'll find you're wrong about why people learn it in lower parts of Scotland. also, the majority of place names do describe locations in Gaelic, but why does that mean the language was once spoken there in the recent past (and I'm talking the past 200-300 years). Should we re-introduce Pictish to the school curriculum?

I've never mentioned the tax issue, but I pay tax and I am also entitle to my opinion. Once agin idiots like you bring other issues into a normal debate!

34

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 09:44:29

#31 Did you just have coughing fit on your keyboard?

35

Brideun,

Black Isle 17/10/2007 09:49:21

Can anyone prove that gaelic will make a contribution to the nation's economy, if so let me see the figures. Further, apart from gaelic promotion, what benefit can there be to a gaelic speaker in the real job world?
It is all about fashion and emotion, a look at me I'm a postcard 'Hielander'!

36

carrottop,

Dumfries 17/10/2007 09:57:55

Have always found the Gaelic speaker to be part of a warm and caring community unlike a lot of the rest of us Scots which could be a reason for its growth.

37

JB2003,

Hong Kong 17/10/2007 10:08:58

Fair enough, each to their own views. But I'm yet to hear a convincing and compelling argument in favour of Gaelic being taught.

As for 32, your comments are completely inappropriate and show you up as small minded. Scotland is a multi-racial society and each and every one of us has the right to an opinion and a say in how our affairs are run. Perhaps it is you who should leave Scotland and set up a little arian nation where everyone speaks gaelic.

38

Dboy,

Hyogo, Japan 17/10/2007 10:15:16

No. 33. 'Idiots like me?' Pot calling I think. Your entitled to your opinion. Unfortunately it's the opinion of all the other self-loathers who are so quick to attack their own culture. 200-300 years ago Scots was the spoken language of the central belt but I'm sure you've no time for that either. English in its present form is a relative newcomer in terms of language history in Scotland. It's idiots like YOU who are the first to attack what they don't understand because of hang ups, and inferiority complexes fed to you by your English masters. Wake up.

39

cabrach loon,

inverness 17/10/2007 10:20:30

Having lived, worked and had residency in about 19 countries of the world and struggled to gain a wee bit of fluency of the local languages I have to disagree with #25 askinbg for a high grade understanding of the local language as being necessary for residency, this would also be wholly negative against older persons retiring since though language learning is easy when young it becomes extremely difficult as one ages past 50. Remember also that the present degree of illiteracy in the young in the UK is a national disgrace, it would be unfair to expect immigrants to be better than the locals.
Whilst I am all for the gaelic I do think it should be more phonetic, easy to read and pronounce and in tune with modern phonetics. Languages must be alive and transient or they lose their attraction and flexibility and ultimately risk just becoming a curiousity used by locals and academics in backwaters. Forced use of minority languages is like all forced things unwelcome and objectede to by the majority!

40

Sumas,

17/10/2007 10:21:12

Why so many Gaelic deniers? Gaelic is now becoming a mainstream part of Scottish life, but stronger measures are needed to secure its future, otherwise the successes so far achieved will fade away.

We must learn from Ireland if we are to guarantee the preservation of Gaelic. In Ireland, in certain designated Gaelic areas, new residents must by law be able to speak Irish. The most recent famous case concerned the singer Mary Black who had to prove her ability in the language in order to move to a new property. The profile of Gaelic needs to be raised by measures such as:

1. More visible role for the Gaelic Arts.
2. National road signs in Gaelic.
3. All Gaelic schooling where appropriate.
4. A Gaelic TV Channel.
5. Greater use of Gaelic in the court system.
6. Strong enforcement procedures to ensure the organisations carry out their Gaelic language plans.

This is not an exhaustive list, but such measures are often observable in other countries where their has been a drive to promote and encourge the use of a lesser spoken language.

41

Duncan in Edinburgh ',

17/10/2007 10:43:10

Tiocfaidh Ár Lá

42

Daibhidh,

17/10/2007 11:34:14

Yet again I am taken akack by the utter ingnorance by so many people on here - you should be absolutely ashmed of yourself...and best double-check you school exam results to make sure you didn't get the school dux's instead of the dunce's...

1) Gaelic today is a language of the northern/wester Highlands and Island, not the north east;

2) The majority of Gaelic speakers live in the CENTRAL BELT;

3) Gaelic was once spoken in every part of Scotland, just look at placename, such as Innerleithen in the Borders for example, or Dalkeith;

4) The number of people learning gaelic is rising steeply;

5) Gaelic is not a 'dead' language, it is use daily by many people in the home and in work.

There are so many more eroneous points on here, but quite frankly, I can't even be bothered pointing them out cause it would take me all day. It seems that a lot of those anti-gaelic people out there have some sort of fear of the language...that can be the only real reason for such vitriol...what is it? Are you threatened by it? Do you feel inadequant because you don't understand one of the languages of your country?

Grow up, there's room for Gaelic, Scots and English in Scotland...the funding required for the first two is penuts in the grand scheme of things and worth it in any case when considering the major party gaelic plays in the 'sense of place' enjoyed by tourists if nothing else...

43

Daibhidh,

17/10/2007 11:35:14

...I mean almost every part of Scotland. There are a few small exceptions...

44

Sonnaidh,

Livingston, Alba 17/10/2007 11:38:04

I'd just like to say how delighted I am that the upsurge in Gaelic gets up the noses of those gits who seek to destroy this wonderful piece of scottish culture.

Suas leis a Ghaidhlig agus Alba gu brath.

45

Calum Crubag,

Alba gu Brath 17/10/2007 11:38:46

#41 - agus... thig ar la!

Gaelic education is well worth it as it produces bi or tri-lingual kids with proven higher attainment. All the whingers here should go to a Gaelic primary and see for theirselves.

As to Gaelic spelling, it's far more regular than English. Once you've learnt the phonics, it's quite easy. And it's only got 10 irregular verbs compared to the hundreds in English, French and Spanish.

46

Culandun,

Wells USA 17/10/2007 12:34:56

My father was a fluent gaelic speaker, my mother alas, was not and though I was brought up on the West Coast and gaelic was a constant background we didn't speak it at home - well the old man could curse and I still remember those words. In Sunday school we were taught the Lords Prayer and other prayers in gaelic, I learned hymns songs by rote but didn't learn the meaning. I truly regret this, as in later life and in another country, the songs come to mind but not the sense of them. I listen to broadcasts in gaelic on the BBC website and understand maybe one word in four - not enough for comprehension. So now it comes to me that I remember the curses and the prayers, but I'm not sure which is which.

47

J. E.,

17/10/2007 13:18:30

Mod’s fluent youth may speak volumes for Gaelic education, but the evidence shows that as children in Gaelic Medium education grow older, and have greater choice over which language they speak, they reach en masse for the tomes written in English!

The figure of 2092 mentioned in the article represents an increase of only 24 on the previous year. However when the declining numbers in Gaelic Medium secondary education are taken into account, the total overall increase is only 2. How many millions of pounds of taxpayers’ money were used to achieve this “result”?

It should also be remembered that in traditional Gaelic speaking areas the Gaelic language is in decline. Even in the Highlands the number of primary pupils in GME fell during the year 2006/7. Only two years out of the past ten have had lower numbers – 1997/8 and 2001/2.

Link to recent article in Scotsman for more information:

www.thescotsman.scotsman.com/scotland.cfm?id=1628732007

48

Deasún,

Glasgow 17/10/2007 13:31:30

It amazes me how many people are still misinformed about Gaelic. Well said Sonnaidh and Daibhidh. (I'll resist the tempation to answer in my rubbish Gaelic/Irish mish-mash - I'm told I sound like I sound that a 500 year-old Islay-man...)

49

RWHANKS,

Aberdeen 17/10/2007 13:41:43

fada bi beo Gaidhlig! The eastern North American seaboard of Scots and Irish heritage are also reviving the old language, and I think it's absolutely wonderful.

50

BonnyBird,

17/10/2007 13:43:52

I just can't get over why some people insist that Gaelic was never spoken in the lowlands it was. The fact is that people found it expedient to adopted english because it was adopted by the high heid yins so common folk went with it.

Everyone had to make a living.

But, lets just stop trying to shove such an important thing as our own language out of existance because some of us don't speak it or understand it. That just smells of embarassment. Speaking only English doesn't make us better that Gaelic speakers it leaves us all with a little bit of us missing.

If my taxes pays for other peoples to speak their languages in Scotland then there better be plenty money for the Gaelic speaking community it was and is the language of Scotland.

51

DonetoDeath,

Texas 17/10/2007 13:57:28

I wonder if Rosetta Stone is working on a Gaelic version, They have one for Welsh.

52

Martha,

17/10/2007 14:04:14

It doesn't hurt to be fluent in two languages, one of them uncommon and not studied anywhere else.

During World War II, our Navaho "wind talkers" completely baffled the Germans, who had no idea what language these American troops were speaking. So for that reason, it proved to be very useful.

53

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 17/10/2007 15:41:58

Gosh!

As it happens, there are 2 places where there is no history of Gaelic - the Orkneys and Shetlands who have thier own dialect and Old Norse was thier original tongue. Apart from that, yes, after us murderous Gaels wiped out the Picts, it was spoken in most places of Scotland.

54

Tom01,

UK 17/10/2007 15:53:28

JB2003 No 4

What do you mean WE if you are writing from Hong Kong. It is not money wasted and retains our Highland culture - something that should have been done years ago.

55

laddieboy,

USA 17/10/2007 16:57:44

Being from the US I am sure you in Scotland don't want to hear my opinion, but I would like to give a bit of a view from the outside.
I am of Scottish descent and was blessed to live in Scotland for a sorrowfully depressingly short time. The first time I truly heard Gaelic spoken while we there my heart skipped a beat. I had not been taught much about my ancestory, just that our family was from Scotland and then left and headed for Northern Ireland-leaving there in 1848 to come to America. So when I heard Gaelic for the first time I almost wept! I was in a place that was my forefathers that I didn't know that well, but wanted to horribly!!
Never take for granted something that has either been taken away from you or stolen as if I remember, the Gaelic was outlawed as was the kilts for a period of time.
It's heritage short and simple, don't allow it to be taken away.
Right now here in the US it's a big thing that immigrants don't have to learn English-our 'official' language-but that it is 'expected' for the English speaking people to learn the language to 'accomodate' the immigrants.
It's a cauldron of a mess!!
If you don't have time for the Gaelic, don't 'diz' on it. Just think if you suddenly have to begin learning another language besides English to keep your job!!

56

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 17/10/2007 17:07:58

What culture and heritage does America have?

57

Ard Righ,

The Rock of Edinburgh 17/10/2007 17:31:42

Astonishing negative, ignorant, plain daft posts here.
The negative Anglified-Scots have nailed their blood spattered union colours to the mast.
Enlighten your self please. What are you types going to do when we regain our independence?

Goidelic, The root of both the Pict, the Cymry and the Gael is still here, still loved and essential to our culture.
Gaelic is one of the most descriptive languages.
The structure of Gaelic is very musical.

Language is culture. Why do you think the colonial English have been trying to destroy Gaelic for hundreds of years and have failed?

Although I disagree on the presentation of the Mod ( I reckon it should be in a more rustic envirionment - the alienation of a stage.) This is great news and is heartening to hear. Perhaps the winners could be filmed in a stone walled room with a fire going... A Black House.

Let us not forget the Gaelic name for Britain is Alba... Druim-Alban (The Ridge of Britain)

Interesting how this name permeates?

Interesting how its meaning shifts?

There is only one thing worse than a colonial englishman in Scotland - and that is an anglified Scot. Traitors

Saor Alba

58

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 17/10/2007 18:34:26

Enlighten your self please. What are you types going to do when we regain our independence? - Ard Righ

What's gaining indpendance got to do with it? Odd thing to write under the circumstances.

59

Saul Tyre,

Germany 17/10/2007 19:47:18

It is essential for children to learn foreign-language skills from an early age. Most Scottish children start with French or German even though they will never get chance to use them. For certain professions these two languages (along with others such as Spanish and Russian) are undoubtedly useful and in some cases even necessary.

The truth is that on leaving school the great majority will find jobs with little or no need for language skills. Nobody employed in a DIY store in Dunfermline will be required to learn French just in case a Frenchman with no knowledge of English pops in to buy a shower rail. Yet so much money is spent on teaching French and German.

Ask (say) twenty year olds to have a ten minute conversation using their school German and you wont see them for dust.

For many children Gaelic is definitely an option. Gaelic TV and radio now available and these present great opportunities for children willing to improve on what they've learned at school and for school leavers keen on polishing up their skills.

The key term is LANGUAGE SKILLS. For someone who can speak and write Gaelic with reasonable fluency, learning a second (or third) foreign language is not a huge problem. And only AFTER leaving school do we know which language(s), if any, we need to learn.

60

Paul W,

England 17/10/2007 19:57:48

I well remember hearing Gaelic spoken when I first visited the isles. The men speaking on the ferry were fluent, native speakers. There were kids on the beach on Jura throwing stones and chatting away in Gaelic. This was in the early 70s. It was a living language and it is a pity to see a part of Scottish culture being lambasted by Scots.

I'm part Scots, Irish and Welsh and I know that ancestors of mine would have spoken all of the languages appropriate to their home areas. Indeed plenty of my mother's cousins still speak Welsh as their first language.

I have heard from certain people that the preservation of all languages is irrelevant and that the whole world should (and indeed will) speak English. They also want one system of measurements world wide.

Note that Irish Gaelic is an official EU language and all EU documents are being translated into it; interpreters are available for the 5 Irish speaking MEPs to listen to all speeches in their language and to deliver their speeches in Irish if they so wish. Given the similarities it seems that a Scots gaelic speaker might even be able to read some of the EU garbage on banana curvature in the not too distant future.

The small sum of our collective money (English are paying taxes for some of the things that happen north of the border) spent on Scots Gaelic is as nothing to the sum being spent on Irish by the EU (our taxes again as we are the main net contributor).

It is sad that the Irish and Welsh have guaranteed the future of their historic languages whilst so many Scots seem to think that their's is an aberration.

I travel the world and am embarrassed to be a Brit. So few Brits are naturally bilingual and we lose a lot because of it. If children are bilingual as they grow up then the learning of a third or fourth language is natural. My Armenian interpreter, when I worked there, was brought up speaking Armenian at home (separate alphabet) and Russian from kindergarten on

61

Saul Tyre,

Germany 17/10/2007 20:14:22

Some of many place names of Gaelic origin in Central Scotland:

KINGHORN: at the head of the muddy ground (taken from CINN: at the head of + GRONN: muddy land)

AIRDRIE: high hill slope (from AIRDE: height + RUIGHE: slope)

GREENOCK: sunny hillock (from GRIANÀIG)

IBROX: ford of the badger (from ATH: ford + BRUIC: badger)

DRUMCHAPEL: ridge of the horse (from DRUIM: ridge + CHAPUILL: of the horse)

DRYMEN: on the ridge ( from DRUMEIN)

When English took over these areas, the names were altered to ease pronunciation for English speakers

62

William of the Clan MacKay,

17/10/2007 20:33:21

Keep up the great work!
For if a fine future is at stake.
One must not forget where they came from.
To get where they want to!

63

Calum Crubag,

17/10/2007 20:50:31

Dave, interesting points about Orkney and Shetland. Not known for Gaelic true but it's influences are certainly to be found. Noticed in the recent coverage of one of George Mackay Brown (a part-Gael Orcadian it would seem) of his referencees to Breckness. This is not the only Gaelic placename to appear on Orkney, though there aren't many. Whilst not sure about the Northern Isles, it is historical fact that Gaelic monks in their currachs made it to the Faroes and Iceland before the Vikings.

Gaelic education is wonderful and more people, especially the whingers here, should go and check it out. If that's not out of their comfort zones. It prepares us well for a multilingual world. Many employers now see overseas employees as better equipped because of their linguistic and cognitive skills. Bi and tri-lingualism improves this and in Gaelic we have a valuable tool and not just a reminder of our past.

64

Nìall,

Donostia, Euskal Herria 17/10/2007 21:35:15

If Gaelic wasn't spoken in the central belt, how come my central belt grandparents saw children get the (leather) belt for speaking in it?

"Whilst I am all for the gaelic I do think it should be more phonetic, easy to read and pronounce and in tune with modern phonetics."

That's a laugh. Scottish Gaelic is *more* in line with modern phonetics than any language I know.
(Hindi's pretty close, and indeed it was Sanskrit, Hindi's main ancestor, that opened up the field of phonology; Polish, Italian and Spanish aren't bad, except for a few oddities, French is pretty confused, but English is atrocious.)
For years then-modern linguists decried the distinction of "slender" and "broad" consonants as naive, prefering to talk instead about "palatal" and "nonpalatal". However, Ramachandran, one of the leading lights of neuro-psychology, has postulated that all language stems from a synaesthetic link between the kinaesthetic centre of the brain and the speech centre.

Because of the short distance between the tongue and the hard palate in a palatal sound, it represents something small -- slender if you will. Non-palatal sounds leave a bigger gap, representing something bigger -- or broad.

English, on the other hand, has been systematically degraded by well-intentioned, but self-important, "thinkers". Who put the "S" in "island"? Then-modern linguists who thought we spoke Latin. Who put the "P" in Ptarmigan? Then-modern linguists who thought it was from Greek (cf Pterodactyl, Pterodon etc). Why on Earth would Gaels give a Greek name to a bird that's never been within two thousand miles of Greece?

So, don't knock the Gaelic -- it's no bad. It's the Inglis whit ye've tae watch.

65

Ard Righ,

17/10/2007 22:40:03

59 Dave from Barra

Try a comma after mast, enlighten......

66 Niall

Superbly put.

One of the better publications of place names is

"The Celtic Place-Names of Scotland" W.J.Watson

If any one else knows any other supreme place name references I'd love to know them.

66

whatsyourname,

17/10/2007 22:54:00

They should keep up the good work. after all it is our heritage, and it was the english that tried to take it away.

67

famie,

australia 18/10/2007 00:02:37

It seems that many of the commentators miss the point when it comes to Gaelic.I had the opportunity to learn it over fifty years ago but was too stupid to take up the opportunity. Language is more than just words and sounds it is what we are as human beings and the native tongue if it were Gaelic for most of the inhabitants was and is the means that enrich our lives our culture our history and our dreams and imagination. If you take the example of our Aboriginal peoples in Australia who have lost much of their languages you can see the devastation it has created. If Scotland had retained its indigenous languages it would have been a much healthier society than it is today. My last visit to Scotlnad was so heartwrenching for reasons too many to list but in a nutshell the experience was not uplifting. I don't take any pleasure at saying this nor is it to compare Australia favourably other than the weather. If young Scots can have the opportunity to reconnect to their cultural roots through learning Gaelic then this will benefit their future education for it is a known fact that those children who are bilingual on average do much better at school. Why does everything these days have to have a 'use'. Can't we aspire to something beyond the commonplace just for a change. All that great talent and ability which is thwarted generation after generation is the a terrible loss to a small nation. Even so I am still a proud Scot and I mean that in the sense that I am proud of all the great Scots famous or unknown that have conbtributed so much to this small planet.

68

JB2003,

Hong Kong 18/10/2007 03:26:11

55 - Just because I'm in Hong Kong doesn't mean I don't live in the UK and pay my taxes just like you. Not very worldly are we.....

69

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 18/10/2007 08:04:12

Fair points Calum @65. However, having spent a bit of time in both the northern isles, Gaelic isn't thier thing really.

There is also Norse influence in names in the WI's such as Ness, Laxdale etc. If you look at a map of the western isles, it's almost 50/50 Gaelic to Norse.

And it is understood that much of the Gaelic names in Scotland were done so during the Enlightenment and Queen Victoria also asked for a re-naming of mountains in the Gaelic.

We live in a diverse country, obviously we cannot force everybody to take on Gaelic as the "national" tongue, as it's clearly not.

Given striving for indpendance, or at least, nationhood, is a political exercise, we must then do politics in the most practiced medium, English, until such times as we feel at peace.

70

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 18/10/2007 08:04:54

Sorry, should've added to my first para,.....because of the Treaty of Perth.

71

Ewan Macintyre,

Highland Region 18/10/2007 09:52:43

Boy Wonder-

Consider buying "A Pronouncing Dictionary of Scottish Gaelic" by Henry Cecil Dieckhoff.

Note what Prof. John Fraser said: "The older generation of speakers (of his Inverness-shire dialect) appear to have been little affected by foreign influences either in articulation, vocabulary, or syntax; and for this reason their speech offers a favourable field for the study of Gaelic sounds."

Now you know why the natives of Inverness-shire tend to speak clear standard English.

72

Calum Crubag,

18/10/2007 12:16:31

Dave, you sure about the Queen Victoria thing? Certainly in the Lowlands, English has replaced or modified the original Gaelic in many places. Temple in Midlothian used to be known as 'Baile nan Trodach' - Township of the Warriors.

Whilst some people will never accept Gaelic as the Scots' national tongue it is wrong to deny history and there is a lot of evidence to show Gaelic communities once lived in almost all parts of the country. There is no evidence to show it was not spoken and obviously the naysayers cannot explain the many Gaelic place and personal names in the south of Scotland. Seems like it's just bigotry and ignorance speaking.

There are those who claim Gaelic was never spoken in Stornoway, Inverness, Fort William and places like the Black Isle! Revisionism or just people to stupid to look beyond their own navel?

73

Heilan laddie,

18/10/2007 12:26:03

It never ceases to amaze me why so many Scots want to either deny or distroy their own culture and heritage. Whay not save Gaelic as part of our own culture and heritage.
Look at other small European countries. Estonia, Lithuania, Latvia. All small countries. What benifit does speaking Estonian or Lithuanian have for kids in these countries? Ultimately they are going to have to learn English to get on in life if they want to leave and work internationaly or over seas. Why not start teaching English only in Europe?

The reason why not is because these people are very proud of their culture and heritage. My wife is Lithuanian and my daughter is Scottish. My wife teaches our daughter Lithuanian. She probabley wont benifit much anywhere in the world with it especialy as we live in Australia. But it will deeply enrich her cultural background knowledge and education and help her know and understand the other half of the culture she belongs to.

So why not have Gaelic as the path to the heart of Scottish culture. There does not appear to be much pride on this forum and lots of ignorance.

74

Avril Ogg,

Australia 18/10/2007 12:30:46

It would be a sad thing to lose any language & I couldn't bear to be without my wonderful Runrig cd's. I don't need to know what they are singing the sound is just so beautiful

75

E. Smith,

Texas 18/10/2007 13:34:04

Re: 57 What culture does the US have?

The United States is a mixture of cultures, beginning with the predominant Anglo-American culture, which is made up of the inhabitants of the British Isles (primarily England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland). To this have been added immigrant strains from all the countries in Europe, not to mention the African slaves removed from their homelands, and most recently (in ever increasing numbers), a large number of Hispanic immigrants, mostly from Mexico.

Case in point: My county in Central Texas, McLennan County (approximately 200,000), was originally settled by Scots in the mid-19th century. Scots and Scots-Irish (Ulster-Scots) built many of the historical homes, and many of their descendants still live in the county. Waco, the largest town in the county (115,000) now has a large "minority" population, however. Approximately 50 percent of all school children attending public school in Waco are Mexican while 40 percent are African American.

Folliwing the Chicago concentric-ring pattern of urban growth, most of the "Anglos" (Europeans) have moved to outlying areas, such as Crawford, McGregor, Hewitt, and Robinson. In addition to the Scots and Scot-Irish settlers, Czech, Pole, German, and Norwegian communities also dot the area.

76

d.j.,

18/10/2007 13:59:55

Is it not time they sorted out the disfunctionalities of english before anything is written about Gaelic. For some time many english learners have had major problems with f and ph also c and k.

Since whisky is the National Gaelic drink, has the time come for a Gaelic Culural Tax to be levied on every bottle sold.

Some children who learn Gaelic at school are very fluent indeed unfortunately but their Gaelic education in stops at 11 years. It is now clear that this needs to be extended to the whole of the High School years and quickly.

Since I meet lots of teenagers who speak only English and also those who are able to speak both Gaelic and english it is clear that the english only children often have a very limited vocabulary compared to those who attended Gaelic medium primary education.

77

Caora Dubh,

Sgriobhadh aig baile 18/10/2007 19:08:20

FHATAST THA BEO CANAN NAN GAIDHEAL, ro-iongantach!

Murchadh MacPharlain:

"Nuair chithear fear feileadh 'sa ghleann
Bu chinnteach gur Gaidhlig a' chainnt
Nuair spion iad a threubh as an fhonn
An aite Gaidhlig tha canan a' ghaill
'S a' Ghaidhealtachd creadhal nan sonn
'S tir "Mhajors" 's "Cholonels" 'n diugh innt'.

Thoir a nuas dhuinn na coinnlearan or
'S annt caraibh na cuibhlean geal ceir
Lasaibh suas iad an seomar a 'bhroin
Tigh-aire seann chanan a' Ghaidheil
'Se siod bho chionn fhada thuirt an namh
Ach fhatast tha beo canan nan Gaidheal!

Ged theich i le beath' as na Glinn
Ged nach cluinneas nis muigh as an Dun
O dhuthaich MhicAoidh, fada Tuath
Gu ruig Druim Uachdar nam bo
Gidheadh, anns na h-Eileanan Siar
"Siar fhatast ann ciad chainnt an t-sluaigh."

78

Caora Dubh,

Sgriobhadh aig baile 18/10/2007 19:40:16

#2, Boy Wonder:

Gaidhlig is much more orderly than English in both grammar and spelling. It is much closer to the Indo-European root language than English because the Celtic languages and Latin evolved in parallel from the common root, whereas English evolved from a mixture of Anglo-Saxon and mediaeval French. At the time the Goidelic languages were born, many centuries before English, the pronunciation of some words was being changed as part of the grammar, in a process called lenition. E.g. "brogan" (shoes) becomes "a bhrogan" (his shoes), and "bh" is pronounced like "v" in English. (Note the similarity of "brogan" to the French "brogues", which is a type of casual shoe.) Today you will find words that are almost the same in different Indo-European languages, except that one language has a "b" where another has a "v", and the same with "ch" and "c" or "k", and "s" and "sh". These languages developed from a post-lenition phase and adopted either the lenited or unlenited form for a word, whereas Gaidhlig has preserved the lenition, and so uses both sounds.

The reason that the "h" is put into the word to change the spelling is because the relationships of lenited words to the root form would be lost otherwise.
Unfortunately only some types of lenition are regular. Lenition is why you see so many "h's". In English the irregularity of the way "gh" is pronounced is much worse!

79

d.j.,

18/10/2007 21:20:42

Watched the Cunntas programme on BBC 2 this evening and it was terrible, some of the panelists and the audience were really badly informed and deeply ignorant people and they have jobs in Gaelic development. They really need to be ashamed of taking a monthly salary.

Do they never make any research or even speak to the general public to find out what is going on.
Shame on you BBB for allowing such a drab uninteresting programme which could have been so much better with informed people rather than just empty heads.

80

Raibeart,

Toronto, ann an Canada 08/05/2008 21:23:50
I must say that I find a lot of these comments very hurtful. I am a Gaelic-speaking man who was raised in Ontario, Canada, and the only reason I know and understand the language today is because my Scottish grandmother -- from the East Coast, not the Highlands -- took the time to teach me the language and foster my love for it. To nay-sayers and others, I can only say: there ARE people who still speak the language...and yes, it is experiencing a rebirth in Scotland (perhaps much to the chagrin of Gaelic's opponents). It is very much the language of the Scottish people; had it not been for the Highland clearances, the language would have been much more widespread.

Tha gaol agam air a' Ghaidhlig a h-uile la...
81

Raibeart,

Toronto, ann an Canada 08/05/2008 21:26:30
Faodaidh mi ràdh cuideachd gum bheil naidheachd anns a' phaipeir seo (anns am bheil sibhse a' leughadh na faclan o gach duine)! Sin i a' chànain bheò!

 

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