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Call for international Celtic festival to replace 'boring, outdated Mod'

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Published Date:
23 August 2007
SCOTLAND's main Gaelic festival "bores the pants off everyone" and should be scrapped, according to a councillor in the Highlands.
Ken MacLeod, an Inverness-based solicitor, wants the Royal National Mod abolished and replaced by an international Celtic festival based in the city.

The Mod was first held in 1892 and is now regarded as the second-biggest festival in Scotland, behind Edinburgh, attracting entrants from around the world.

But Mr MacLeod said it was outdated and its format did little for the survival of the Gaelic language.

He said as the Year of Highland Culture 2007 was drawing to a close, Highland Council should look to the future and what it could do to encourage the survival of the Gaelic language and culture.

He said: "We should look at setting up an international Celtic festival, which would unite people from Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, the Isle of Man and Brittany.

"I don't mean something like the National Mod, where 30 or 40 people sing the same song and bore the pants off everyone. The real Mod happens in the evenings when the competitions are over. We need something that celebrates the language of the Highlands and Islands and we should have a go at setting up an autumn international Celtic festival."

Mr MacLeod added: "This would be a festival for Gaeldom and the language of the Gaels. That includes all the Celtic languages: Welsh, what is left of the language of the Isle of Man, Cornish, Irish Gaelic and Breton.

"That would give us a truly international festival of music, song and dance. It could follow on from the Edinburgh Festival. I'm sorry about the Mod, but it has remained in the same format since the 1890s and I'm afraid it's outlived its usefulness."

The idea of killing off the Mod was challenged by Murdo Morrison, the annual event's promotions manager. He said: "I hope Mr MacLeod is expressing a personal view only. I have been to a number of pan-Celtic festivals in Ireland and there isn't much place given to Gaelic apart from artistes sent there from the Royal National Mod. If there was to be an international Celtic festival in Inverness, I would hope Gaelic would have a major part in it."

He said he was surprised to hear Mr MacLeod's comments at the time the council had started consultation on its Gaelic plan.

"The Gaelic plan highlights the importance of the Mod to the language," he said, adding that the format of the Mod was under constant review.

ANNUAL GATHERING OF GAELIC COMMUNITY

AM MÒD Nàiseanta Rìoghail (the Royal National Mod) is seen as a yearly showcase of Gaelic music and culture. Last year's event was held in Dunoon, where 2,000 competitors took part in more than 200 competitions. This year's Mod will be held in Lochaber in October.

The competition-based festival was first held in Oban in 1892 and attracts visitors and competitors from throughout the UK, Ireland, Australia, Canada and the United States.

It is said to generate millions of pounds to the host town and is credited with helping to keep the Gaelic community together while the number of people speaking the language has fallen.

Since 1912, there has been a royal connection with the Mod, whose parent body, An Comunn Gàidhealach (the Highland Association), has the Queen as its patron.

The full article contains 574 words and appears in The Scotsman newspaper.
Page 1 of 1

 
1

Spotter,

23/08/2007 00:48:49

is this lid dem a gaelic speaker or is he just joining the rest in the lib dem lemming dash :-)

2

Guga II,

Rockall 23/08/2007 01:14:43

The Mod is a festival to celebrate the language and culture of the Gaidhealtachd, it never was intended to be a pan-Celtic festival. Moreover, it is thoroughly enjoyed by both the participants and the audiences, including non-Gaelic speaking people. In addition, it brings a lot of money into the towns that host the Mod. Why therefore, should it be changed?

As for Highland Regional Council, why would anyone in their right minds want to listen to that pack of drongos? Why, also, would we want the Mod, or his proposed pan-Celtic replacement, to be centred in Inverness? Why should they be the only area of the Highlands and Islands to benefit from it?

I would suggest that if Ken MacLeod gets bored so easily, he takes up another hobby or interest more fitting to his talents, like street sweeping.

3

,

23/08/2007 02:52:09
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason:
4

Boy Wonder,

23/08/2007 03:09:41

And it's dire telly ...

Change or become extinct ... that's how it goes for everything!

5

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 04:58:56

My kids love learning Gaelic.They embrace it whole heartedly and are proud of doing their bit to preserve the language and culture. But the Junior Mod is a soulless, joyless experience for all involved. Endless hours of practise. Then hanging around, waiting their turn, listening to the same dirge all day. Being scrutinised by a stern, dour, Machair Mujahadin, only to be told at the end of the day that all bar the usual predictable few are all losers. To see so many children anxious, nervous, and crying, is a celebration of nothing.
Maybe their should be a Mod Fringe run alongside it. The whole thing needs to cheer up a bit.

6

Guga II,

Rockall 23/08/2007 05:19:06

#3 Archie. It seems to me that the people you are referring to are not the visitors to the Mod, but residents of Gourock. So, if they carry on like that, maybe the Mod shouldn't come back to Gourock, otherwise they'll be getting themselves a bad name.

7

Guga II,

Rockall 23/08/2007 05:20:17

#4 Boy Wonder. That is a matter of opinion. The Mod is usually the best thing the EBC ever bother putting on.

8

The Daleks,

23/08/2007 05:21:25

Is there anything that prevents the continuance of the MOD, and the setting up of a pan Celtic festival in Inverness?

9

Guga II,

Rockall 23/08/2007 05:22:12

#5 Ananurhing. What do you mean Mod fringe? Every Mod has a series of "fringe" activities, and everyone usually has a great time attending them - from dusk till dawn.

10

Guga II,

Rockall 23/08/2007 05:24:07

#8 Daleks. Nothing at all, but who would want to go to a soulless place like Inverness? Fort William would be a better option.

11

Paul Voltaire,

23/08/2007 06:22:54

It's all a bit Hee Drum Haw to most folk.

12

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 23/08/2007 06:48:38

It's god awfully parochial - dull to watch and to most seems like a relic from the back of beyond.

Change or die - the Celtic Connections festival has moved forward and improved because of it.

"It is said to generate millions of pounds to the host town" - doubtful.

"the number of people speaking the language has fallen." - Well, if most people's encounter with the language are things like this no wonder.

13

CJO,

23/08/2007 06:49:34

#4 - spot on. This is the sort of focus group , limited interest TVthat should be restricted to cable, not forced on the rest of the population that isn't interested. Get it off national telly and on to satellite on BBC Gael or whatever.

14

Langenburger,

23/08/2007 06:51:10

An international celtic festival is a great idea and Inverness is a natural location.
You don't have to be a teuchter to have celtic roots or leanings and leanings. So let the mod continue if it wants - somewhere in the corners and embrace the fact that celtic-ism is a living not a dead culture.

15

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 06:55:18

the Mod is an irrelevance to lowland Scotland and is not a celebration of anything relating to lowland culture past, present or future.

16

malkster,

not as nice 23/08/2007 07:09:22

how about learning a modern language which helps us do business aboroad.

17

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 07:14:08

"Being scrutinised by a stern, dour, Machair Mujahadin, only to be told at the end of the day that all bar the usual predictable few are all losers."

Applauds Ananurhing.

Other than giving the fragrant Cathie Crombie a chance to supplement her beeb wardrobe, it is a totally joyless spectacle.

Fiscally it does make a difference, with public money via the LECs being used to entice it to the host town. The knock-on eceonomics of delegate spending is substantial enough for Gourock to want it back...

Maybe it should be part of a larger festival devoted to all things 'Celtic'.

#4 Euorpa is the best documentary strand that beeb Scotland have got. Try watching it.

lo durach

Norbert

18

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 07:38:50

9# Guga II.
I was referring to the regional junior Mod events, where the joy is sucked out of the whole Gaelic learning experience for the children, and by the time the finals come around, I've usually lost the will to live.

19

Paddi,

23/08/2007 07:45:23

thought the MOD had their hands full looking after all those submarines in Faslane, now they got a group of wifies singing in some form of indecipherable language?

20

leith lover, poet and scholar,

peoples republic of leith 23/08/2007 07:51:51

Why bother? - a miniscule amount of the population speaks this old and useless language - stomp it out and move on!

21

Gusto,

23/08/2007 07:56:25

There already are a few - in Ireland - where Celtic festivals belong - or do they mean Parkhead??.
Us people who have survived primary school in Scotland were taught that the word is spelt Keltic.
But heh, we dont expect journalists to be able to spell do we, far less differentiate.
They wouldn't consider giving it a Gaelic name would they? Wow! imagine the spelling then!
Amadain....

22

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 23/08/2007 07:57:03

#19 Euorpa is the best documentary strand that beeb Scotland have got.

Did you actually type that with a straight face?

23

toirdhealbhach,

dun toirdhealbhaigh 23/08/2007 08:00:01

I wonder what methods 'leith lover' suggests for 'stomping out' the 'miniscule amount of the population' that speaks Gaelic. Does he propose to kick all their heads in, Clockwork Orange style? Would this be vigilante action on the part of him and his mates or is he suggesting a more official course of action - a Serbian-style ethnic cleansing campaign?

It's nice to see one of the anti-Gaelic crowd breaking cover and making quite clear where their hatred and contempt for Gaelic and Gaelic speakers really takes us.

24

J. E.,

23/08/2007 08:01:12

The Mod in my opinion has outlived its usefulness. Of course I can understand why those who receive substantial public subsidies from the taxpayer would wish to keep it going; but essentially it is a costly introspective event viewed as insignificant by almost all taxpayers who fund it.

A number of pro-Mod posters have stated that the Mod is in some way essential for the survival of the Gaelic language. My starting point would be that despite the Mod having been in existence 1892 the Gaelic language has been in decline. Even the number of pupils receiving Gaelic Medium primary school education fell in the Highlands during the past two years, despite the existence of the quango Bord na Gaidhlig which costs taxpayers around £5 million a year.

Soon taxpayers and TV licence fee payers will be asked to fund a dedicated digital TV channel in Gaelic to the tune of £18 million a year. This works out at £307 for every speaker of the language – more than the cost of a TV licence! Surely this is more than enough funding for a language that the public are not that interested in.

25

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 08:21:26

If yer a Gael you will be a Gael whether you speak Gaelic, Spanish, Cantonese or Russian. If I learn Spanish and go live in Spain, I will never become Spanish, no matter how hard I try.

If yer not a Gael but "love learning Gaelic" you will still never become a Gael. All you will be is the same person doing the same 21st century Scottish things but communicating, and badly at that, through another laungage.

Guga is right when he says it's a Gaidhealtachd festival and not a pan-celtic festival. Celts happen to speak many laungages from Cornish, Welsh to 3 types of Gaelic etc. By opening it up to a pan celtic festival, it will actually detract from the Gaidhealtachd as it would have to encompass ALL celtic langauges and traditions otherwise it becomes descriminatory.

26

leith lover, poet and scholar,

peoples republic of leith 23/08/2007 08:24:21

to those with names that are an incomprehensible and meaningless collection of consonants with the odd vowel thrown in - I am not advocating ethnic cleansing - although many of the weegies I have encountered could do with a good wash! I dont hate 'the gaels' whoever they are (I thought that we were all British???). I am advocating stamping out the drain on non gaelic speakers' tax purse - eg 3 hours of BBC programming devoted to a useless language where every second noun is in English because the langusge construction is so weak it cannot cope with new words!

Having kids taught gaelic at school? teach them modern languages that will make them valuable assets to the country's economic sustainability in the future!

27

WL,

livingston 23/08/2007 08:24:47

If Mr MacLeod is bored with the Mod and wants to organize an international Celtic festival in Inverness, what is stopping him?
But that does not mean that the Mod (which is not normally held in Inverness) should be scrapped.
Long may the Mod live !

28

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 08:42:46

It's held in Inverness once every 5 years. As it is in all the venues it goes to.

WL has made a good point me thinks.

29

BorderGuy,

23/08/2007 08:45:15

#5 is absolutely spot on. Not sure about a Celtic Festival as a replacement, but the Mod really needs to take the emphasis off forcing young kids through competitions they can't win.

30

St Andrew,

Edinburgh 23/08/2007 08:46:33

A dirge from start to finish. If people still want to carry on and enjoy it fine but why inflict it on the majority of the country who have no interest in it or Gaellic.
The language is only being kept alive by those making a nice media earning out of it and Middle class trendy Scots and English families in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

31

Jock MacSprog,

23/08/2007 08:55:59

it scares me to think that if Scotland ever did gain independence, our airwave would be filled with this type of provincial rubbish.

32

Kate,

Switzerland 23/08/2007 09:04:37

If the Mod is so boring, why do so many people from all over the world attend it?!

CJO, it may be irrelevant to you but not to a large number of Scots. Gaelic is not traditionally spoken in The Mearns but that does not stop me enjoying The Mod, particularly the fiddlers and singers.

Keep the Mod and if Mr. Macleod wants a Celtic Festival, maybe he should go to Glasgow, where one already takes place every year...

33

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 09:05:50

29# Dave from Barra
The learning of Gaelic by non Gaels, gives them a flavour and a window to a culture from which many of them are decended. Does Gaelic have to be a closed shop to those confined to a small geographic area? There are no native Perthshire Gaelic speakers left. Does that mean that Perthshire pupils attempts to learn Gaelic are less worthy than those from the Outer Hebrides? What about all the Gaelic speakers from Nova Scotia? Were the peoples of the Outer Hebrides not once known as the "foreign Gaels" at one time? Are you maybe being a bit discriminatory yourself?

34

Lachie (The Hoolie) Mor,

Fort William 23/08/2007 09:13:32

Coon-cillor MacLeod should lay-off the Mod..
Sure let's have a Celtic International Festival if one is required but lay-off the Mod.
It's coming to Fort William and I'm looking forward to it. There is always something going on into the wee small hours.. and there's usually great craic too.

35

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 09:13:34

You will never become a Gael. No matter how hard you try.

I've eaten piella and chorizo sausage before and got a wee taste of Spain. I'm not Spanish though.

Understand the concept? We were never known as Foreign Gaels, how redciulous.

Yes, its a Geography thing, like the Catalonians come from Catalonia, which is inside Spain but they are not Spanish. The Gaels also come from distinct area . It isn't Perth, never has been. Thats' Pictish country, remember the Picts? The original inhabitants of Scotland? Whatever happend to them?

Don't get that confused with what it is to be Celtic however

36

leith lover, poet and scholar,

peoples republic of leith 23/08/2007 09:17:47

#37 "Does that mean that Perthshire pupils attempts to learn Gaelic are less worthy"

Yes it does - when the Scottish Economy is uncompetitive due to the lack of language skills in modern languages such as French, German, Spanish and Chinese, paying for kids to be taught an out-dated and parochial langiage is scandalous!

As for a window into the culture from which they have descended - the language is irrelevant as almost all of the documentary evidence is written in English or Scots or even latin - but not gaelic!

37

Märiö äntoinette,

23/08/2007 09:37:06

Im not aware that it has ANY international exposure , but i confess that I'm not really a fan.

The best was when Mary Sanderson xxxxxxxx herself up on Top of The Pops and sang a song about missing her fellows Japanese Eye.

What does this have to do with the councillor anyway ? If I say , "it's okay , if you like that sort of thing" will I get an article too ?

38

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 09:40:37

Welsh is Europes oldest living language

http://www.westwales.co.uk/lang.htm

39

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 09:41:46

And we don't live on Continental Europe and Scots Gaelic is not Spoken on Continental Europe and it's not Europes Oldest KNOWN language.

40

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 09:41:59

#40 You're right anything that's old, difficult and has passed out of fashion should be stomped to death, particularly when it's trying to recover.

Cliospairneach.

#24

Ok Nick, tell me how good Frontline Scotland is.

41

Märiö äntoinette,

23/08/2007 09:42:04

I admire the culture but as a lowland scot I am not part of it.

I encountered my first and only native Gaelic speakers on a train between Glasgow and Edinburgh. It was fascinating , i do a lot of travel (obviuosly not in scotland) and for a moment I was whisked off somewhere else. Felt like i was in a totally different country. Sorry if this sounds partonising its not meant to.

If those who participate in it enjoy it and are not worried about a larger exposure then don't change for us.

42

WL,

livingston 23/08/2007 09:44:33

#40
Look at the Republic of Ireland where Gaelic is compulsary at school; they have a thriving economy.
And people are of course free to learn any foreign language they like to learn. Since when in Chinese a modern language?

43

Generalissimo Hernandez,

23/08/2007 09:52:14

I agree with Nick Byrne et al. What we need is a bit of cultural imperialism, back by weapons where necessary.

The first on the hit list would obviously be those upstart Chinese speakers, followed by anyone who said “sidewalk” instead of “pavement”, and then those backwards idiots who pronounce “drawing” as “drawring”.

44

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:00:04

Good point WL but I think the Irish use English as thier main langauge of commerce though.

And certainly the last time I was in Eire, everybody spoke English wherever I went.

However, yes they made a concerted effort to preserve their langauge, like Wales too.

Fair play I say but Scotland is a bit like unhomogonised milk, we happen to have bit of everything going on from Pictish, Scots, Scots-English, Doric, English, Latin etc. I could not honestly say, as a Gael, that Gaelic is or should be the accepted langauge of Scotland the same as Welsh or Irish Gaelic. It's a toughy this one.

However, the Mod is for the Gaidhealtachd, not a pan-celtic festival.

45

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 10:03:44

# 46

'I admire the culture but as a lowland scot I am not part of it.'

Sorry old chap, but if you're a lowland Scot, I think you'll find Gaelic historically was spoken as far south as Annan and Drummore. Galwegian Gaelic only died out in the 18th century.

Since our education system has pretty much screwed up our abilities to learn 'modern languages, preferring the Lingua Franca of SHOUTING, perhaps Gaelic should be made compulsory in primary schools in those areas with a high concentration of Gaels, like Stornoway and Byres Road.

46

CMM,

Aberdeen 23/08/2007 10:04:32

#30 and #40 - your views on gaelic are simply misinformed.

You may not see it as part of your culture. That is fine, but there is no need to make disparaging and insulating remarks such as calling it "parochial". I dont see what is scandalous about giving kids an opportunity to learn a language that is part of Scotlands culture (and could indeed be part of theirs).
You raise the point about French, German, Spanish. Gaelic doesnt prevent anyone learning these languages. In fact, bi-lingualism in Gaelic speaking areas is a huge advantage in learning a foreign language and is also proven to help in subjects such as maths. How can Scottish children (esp. those within the gaidhealtachd) truly learn other languages and understand other cultures when they have such a poor grasp of part of their own culture, and think it is acceptable to let an indigenous language die.

It is interesting as well that none of these countries would have such disparaging attitudes to Gaelic in the way that some people in Scotland do. Most people from European countries i've spoken to are somewhat shocked that Scottish people could take such an attitude to part of their own culture.

Put simply Gaelic is an important part to Scotlands culture. It may not be part of your culture and I accept it may be part of everyone culture but it is still part of what Scotland is. It was the language of the Scottish crown in the past and has been widely spoken for many years across the Highland line. In various periods it has also been spoken across alot of the country (the Borders excepted and parts of Lothians). The influence of Gaelic place names shows this. eg. Sauchiehall st in Glasgow.
I dont see what is outdated about a language that will actually help the Scottish economy through tourism. In promoting Scotland abroad for example, Gaelic is an useful tool. It is one of the links that Scotland can keep with the Scottish diaspora. I for example recntly

47

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:07:37

Can anybody identify what "Gaelic Culture" is?

48

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 10:09:04

39# Dave.
Whoa boy! Don't get yourself worked up so. I am not a Gael, and make no attempts to be one.
Lewis and Harris were called " Innse Gall" The land of the stranger. Inhabited by Gall Gaels. The Gall being strangers or foreigners. The Norse Galls eventually becoming assimilated with the native Gaels. Perthshire had its own dialect of Gaelic, distinct from that of the west, which only died out in the 20th century. By your logic, Should Indians not speak English? Should Cameroonians not speak French?
40# The language is never irrelevant. Its grammar and construction give an insight to the mindset of the culture, that can never be captured by translation. Also foreign language learning skills are transferrable. My kids learn Spanish and Italian at home, alongside Gaelic at school. Education is never a waste of time.
39# Dave, My kids have no desire to be Spanish or Italian either.

49

Märiö äntoinette,

23/08/2007 10:09:58

Fair enough Norbert , but my folks were over in Ireland foraging for tatties at that time.

50

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:10:54

Should the Perthochs not speak Pictish?

Can anybody identify what "Gaelic Culture" is?

51

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:12:31

Actually Ananurhing

Why not be Spanish? It's just another Celtic country after all and a very old and proud traditionalist celtic country to boot.

52

Paddi,

23/08/2007 10:18:39

"Celtic" culture doesnt exist either, its made up by historians

53

TaffonTravel,

Edinburgh 23/08/2007 10:19:59

International Celtic Festival sounds cool - Im welsh and would be interested in this. Plus Im big and ginger so I think I would fit in nicely, pretending to be from different places on different days!

54

CMM,

Aberdeen 23/08/2007 10:20:24

#49 - Interesting Comments Dave, and I as a Gael and Gaelic speaker (i also see there is a difference in the two), I accept that maybe gaelic maybe is not the national language of Scotland in the same way Irish is to Ireland or Welsh is to Wales.

As you say it is a tough one because Gaelic certainly influenced much of Scotland (eastern border and parts of lothian excepted (and also Shetland and Orkney). I think however stronger revitilisation policies should be in place in the Gaidhealtachd and Gaelic policy should be on a sliding scale eg. Gaelic for Glasgow (with a more significant number of speakers there and more links with the language) is more relevant than Gaelic in Edinburgh and certainly more relevant than Gaelic in the Borders. The current policies are a bit "on-size fits all" and seem to stir up a bit of resentment.

Incidentally, on the point on which is the oldesdt language, I dont see why it matters that much, but have search about and have fouind claims that Basque is the oldest, ancient Gaelic (which Irish and Scottish Gaelic stem from) welsh, and even Icelandic are the oldest. It seems it is not settled which is the oldest language - the point is though all the Celtic langauges in the UK are amongst the oldest.

55

Andrew Wilson,

Dundee, UK 23/08/2007 10:21:09

Exactly #35.

If some of the comments on this board are anything to go by then Scotland would blow itself apart if it got independence.

Gaeldom is part of Scotland's heritage, but not exclusively. To hear some people speak you would think that the rest of Scotland didn't exist.

On the one hand Gaels want more people to speak the language but deride non-gaels who learn gaelic because they will never be "real" gaels.

That's racism!

From the other side, there are people who would "stomp out" gael-dom.

That's ethnic cleansing!

From the evidence here, and the evidence of history, Scotland has never really been a nation at all, but a loose group of clans/picts/gaels/norse/angles who have never really been at peace with each other.

56

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 10:21:24

56# Dave, Because I'm Scots and have no desire to be anything else. Gael, Spanish, or otherwise.
Tranquilo Hombre! (Dinnae fash yirsel man!)

57

An Taghan,

An Tir Iosal 23/08/2007 10:25:23

'Dave', Welsh is not Europe's oldest living language. Try reading from a decent source not some cheese-ball website. Someone from your neck of the woods shouldn't be rabbiting on about being 'Celtic' (whatever that is) anyway. Your ugly little island was among the last places in Scotland to get Gaelic, and was Norse up until and after the Battle of Largs in 1266. Once a Viking, always a Viking, no matter what language you speak...

58

cuthbert,

23/08/2007 10:25:26

Couldnt agree more with this Ken MacLeod chap. The Mod really is the most dull event with absolutely no innovation or originality to be found - just the same singers singing the same songs in exactly the same way. I cant stand it myself.

Also good to see the usual nonsense comments by those with absolutely no idea what they are on about/have a major chip on their shoulder. Honestly Dave how would you get on without these Gaelic related articles as the object of your laughably ignorant/bitter wrath.

59

Lianachan,

Highlands 23/08/2007 10:25:47

It would be a strange thing to do during these times, when historians are busy dismantling the quaint victorian invention of "Celtic"ness.

60

seillean a mhirdenibha,

USA 23/08/2007 10:25:51

Grumpy Dave from Barra, I surely get a chuckle from your posts. However, Gaelic is a language and culture and not a notionality. Gaeldom includes the Ireland, Mann, the Highlands and Islands, and Nova Scotia. One does not have to be Scottish to be a Gael. Many Gaels were transported to my birthplace in North America for such things as being dissenters (as were my mothers people about 1700) and Jacobites. It's reasonable to call people who are renewing their Gaelic, ancestral or otherwise as Gaidheil ùra. ( new Gaels), or perhaps renewing Gaels. By the way, genetic evidence and Gaelic mythology both state the Gaels arrived first in Ireland by way os Spain. Gaelic was once spoken as far east as Aberdeen and some south of there (check out the "Book of Deer") and certainly down to Glasgow as late as the mid 19th Century.

And to the lover and poet from Leith--by all means, learn a European language that will help you in business. That's no reason not to learn Gaelic as well. Learning any new language as an adult is hard work, but learning one language helps the brain develop the mental muscles to learn other languages. So teach those children French, or Polish, or German, or Chinese. Give them the opportunity to learn Gaelic as well.

As to Gaelic programming--do you have only the one chanel over there?

As for Mòd attendance, I've never been because I can't afford it, especially with the weakened $, but one of my Gaelic teachers (born and raised in the US) won the story competition over native speakers a few years back and has placed well in other years. So yes, there is foreign attendance and therefore tourist money coming into Scotland. I suspect that most foreigners who attend also spend money in other parts of Scotland as well, since the chance to go to Scotland would mean a longer stay than just the Mòd.

It's interesting that most of the Scots that I have met over the years have been a friendly lot with a good sense

61

CMM,

Aberdeen 23/08/2007 10:27:51

#62 An Taghan De tha dol? se Calum a th'ann..

62

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:28:21

Fair do's Ananurhing. I get a bit fanged up at the whole Gaelic/Scotland thing. I apologies.

So many questions with few answers coupled with lots of blinkered view points and beligerance.

For example. Did they speak Gaelic during the Skara Brae period in the Orkneys even though there is not a shred of evidence it was ever spoken there and the orcadians do not make a claim for Gaelic? Same with the Shetlanders.

It is a toughy (good comments CMM) but I would not want to force anybody to take on a langauge that can arguably be found not traditional in their part of Scotland.

By the way Can anybody identify what "Gaelic Culture" is?

63

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:31:04

he he he An Taghan

Good post. What a prat.

Sorry, but I'm only making you think by asking pertinant questions yet those same Gaelic Mafia crawl out the wood work.

cuthbert

Away play with yourself man.

By the way Can anybody identify what "Gaelic Culture" is?

64

cuthbert,

23/08/2007 10:33:02

"the Mod is an irrelevance to lowland Scotland and is not a celebration of anything relating to lowland culture past, present or future."

Heres some advice pal: First find a decent history book. Secondly try reading it. Gaelic was spoken across ALL of Lowland Scotland with only the Lothians/some parts of the Borders never having had it as a MAJORITY (it was the language of the elite classes for a time) language - the Lothians having been majority English in terms of language and ethnicity since before Scotland was founded by the Scots/Gaels.

It never ceases to astonish me how determined so many people are to be ignorant with regards the history of Scotland and of the Scottish language - Gaelic. Nobody with even a passing familiarity with the academic works dealing with the place-names of Scotland can be unaware of the fact that Gaelic was spoken across all of mainland Scotland. Unless youre from the Northern Isles you live in a region with a Gaelic history; not to mention the fact that the nation itself is a Gaelic creation and that Scottish identity wouldnt exist but for the Gaels.

If you describe yourself as Scottish you claim a Gaelic heritage - its that simple. Scotland is a Gaelic creation. There simply is no ambiguity in or denying of the history of the nation no matter how bitterly you might wish for historical reality to be different.

65

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:36:02

What Cuthbert, even 2nd generation pakistan Scots claim a gaelic heritage too?

They describe themselves as Scottish after all.

66

seillean a mhirdenibha,

USA 23/08/2007 10:36:18

Grumpy Dave from Barra, I surely get a chuckle from your posts. However, Gaelic is a language and culture and not a notionality. Gaeldom includes the Ireland, Mann, the Highlands and Islands, and Nova Scotia. One does not have to be Scottish to be a Gael. Many Gaels were transported to my birthplace in North America for such things as being dissenters (as were my mothers people about 1700) and Jacobites. It's reasonable to call people who are renewing their Gaelic, ancestral or otherwise as Gaidheil ùra. ( new Gaels), or perhaps renewing Gaels. By the way, genetic evidence and Gaelic mythology both state the Gaels arrived first in Ireland by way os Spain.

And to the lover and poet from Leith--by all means, learn a European language that will help you in business. That's no reason not to learn Gaelic as well. Learning any new language as an adult is hard work, but learning one language helps the brain develop the mental muscles to learn other languages. So teach those children French, or Poish, or German, or Chinese. Give them the opportunity to learn Gaelic as well.

As to Gaelic programming--do you have only the one chanel over there?

As for Mòd attendance, I've never been because I can't afford it, especially with the weakened $, but one of my Gaelic teachers (born and raised in the US) won the story competition over native speakers a few years back and has placed well in other years. So yes, there is foreing attendance and therefore tourist money coming into Scotland. I suspect that most foreigners who attend also spent money in other parts of Scotland as well, since the chance to go to Scotland would mean a longer stay than just the Mòd.

It's interesting that most of the Scots that I have met over the years have been a friendly lot with a good sense of humor, Gaelic speakers or not. But you Gaelic haters are surely a grumpy lot.

Beannachd leibh bhon seillean

67

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:36:53

By the way Can anybody identify what "Gaelic Culture" is?

68

jennie,

northern highlands 23/08/2007 10:39:53

#5 Ananurhing - LOL at the Machair Mujahadin - shall use that in future. Their motto is "Thou Shalt Not Enjoy Thyself, especially when young" and surely it doesn't represent a core part of Gaelic culture at all - the language itself is full of earthy puns

69

jennie,

northern highlands 23/08/2007 10:42:40

incidentally one of the Gaelic speakers in our village is the son of a Spanish fisherman who was shipwrecked on Lewis and decided to stay - where do you file him?

Gall - stranger, outsider = Gaul, and also is at the root of the word "Welsh" - we're all strangers, immigrants from somewhere else since the ice retreated only a few thousand years ago. all this nationalism is pish

70

cuthbert,

23/08/2007 10:44:23

"What Cuthbert, even 2nd generation pakistan Scots claim a gaelic heritage too?"

Sure they do - why should it be any different for them compared to your average Scot who is English in every respect but geography and personal identity? The distinct Scottish identity simply wouldnt exist but for the fact that Scotland was founded by the Gaels. If you call yourself a Scot you claim a distinct identity which is rooted in Gaelic history. There really isnt any doubting the history of the nation and it takes a pretty determined mindset to keep whipping out the usual old bigotries/pseudo histories with their origin in the anti-Gaelic mindset of Anglo Scotland from centuries gone to maintain this ludicrous idea that Gaelic can be disassociated from Scottish identity or nationality.

71

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:44:42

Oh My God!

A sensible comment! Thank you jennie.

72

cuthbert,

23/08/2007 10:46:39

"we're all strangers, immigrants from somewhere else since the ice retreated only a few thousand years ago. all this nationalism is pish"

A sensible comment if nationalism and ethnic identity was rooted in and defined by simple geography. They arent.

73

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:46:42

What is Scottish "identity and nationality" and what is "Gaelic Culture"?

Now we have Pakistani Scots with Gaelic heritage which means now I have heard everything. The Mafia must be running out of ideas.....

74

toirdhealbhach,

Dùn Toirdhealbhaigh 23/08/2007 10:47:40

For 'Dave from Barra' and others:

Section 10(1) of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 gives the following definition:

“Gaelic culture” includes the traditions, ideas, customs, heritage and identity of those who speak or understand the Gaelic language . . .

I imagine it's a safe bet that 'Dave from Barra' has not read the Gaelic Language Act, or the National Gaelic Language Plan, or any of the Ùr-Sgeul series of novels and stories, or any of the volumes in the Scottish Gaelic Texts Society series, or Watson's 'Celtic Placenames of Scotland' etc etc etc.

Co aige tha fhios, tha teans ann gun ionnsaicheadh na h-amadain seo rudeigin. Ach tha iad ro thrang a' cur brathan nimheil a' mhì-rùin chun a' bhùird-bhratha seo.

75

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 10:50:20

I have, I was wondering if anybody else have, that was my point. You see, even the Act cannot identify what Gaelic Culture is.

Tell me toirdhealbhach

What are the "traditions, ideas, customs, heritage and identity of those who speak or understand the Gaelic language"

76

cuthbert,

23/08/2007 10:54:21

As ive already explained as simply as is possible as Scottish identity wouldnt exist without the Gaelic language/Gaels/Gaelic identity responsible for the creation of Scotland to claim the former is to claim (whether consciously or not) a Gaelic heritage as the former would not exist but for the Gaelic heritage of which it is a part. It really is pretty simple. But then it always has been simple and if you (and your fellow determined Anglo-Scots/anti-Gaels) were amenable to any kind of facts or reason you wouldnt dedicate so much time to spouting bitter nonsense on any Gaelic related article posted by the Scotsman despite having your arguments and claims repeatedly and emphatically refuted.

77

,

23/08/2007 10:57:31
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78

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 11:05:08

Dave from Barra rather than tease us all why don't you explain what Gaelic Culture is?

Thereafter can we then have a conversation about what is culture?

79

Bien E. Bien,

23/08/2007 11:05:24

The people must take this festival back by force.

We should all converge on Inverness and, in a scene reminiscient of Quadrophenia, chant: WE ARE THE MOD, WE ARE THE MOD, WE ARE WE ARE WE ARE THE MOD.

80

,

23/08/2007 11:06:16
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81

Dave From Barra,

Western Isles 23/08/2007 11:07:25

Nope Norbert, not for me to explain, only those who wish for the whole of scotland to adopt Gaelic as our national langauge and culture and to deny that there was life and culture and society before, during and after Gaeldom that did not include Gaeldom must explain it to all of us so we can make an informed choice as to whether it applies or not.

82

Gusto,

23/08/2007 11:12:51

Barra - that's Gaelic culture!
- no wonder you spell Keltic with a C

Hi ho ro togabh I, suas leis a ghaidhlic!

83

An Taghan,

An Tir Iosal 23/08/2007 11:12:53

Dave and Jenny.

What the hell is the matter with you? No one is asking you to speak Gaelic, to learn, or anything else, but why shouldn't others from wherever be afforded this opportunity should they so wish? If I want to collect stamps or memorise American state capitals, then so be it. It's up to me. It is you who are naionalist, not us - I just want to speak a language which is undeniably and eternally linked to Scotland. Not the Picts, not the Welsh or the French or the Dutch, the Scots. If neither of you do, then I couldn't care less. It is you who are the nationilists.

Incidentally, living in The Netherlands, I hope Fresian, a very distinct dialect/language, survives. Does this mean I'm a Fresian nationalist, or just happy that things cultural diversity is still with us in the West. You really are rather dim people.

84

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 11:13:09

#86

See, Dave, if you'd said that earlier, people would be more inclined towards you, rather than getting terse about it.


Aren't we all African anyway?

85

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 11:14:39

86# Dave
Careful, You've got legs akimbo straddling the fence
so widely, your schnachans must be smarting!

86

,

23/08/2007 11:16:33
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87

toirdhealbhach,

Dùn Toirdhealbhaigh 23/08/2007 11:17:05

'Dave', the Gaelic for 'Cuthbert' is 'Cuithbeirt'. The th is now silent but was pronounced in medieval Gaelic, as I imagine you are aware from your profound knowledge of the language. Hence the Gaelic name 'Cille Chuithbeirt', transformed into the English as 'Kirkcudbright' (not 'Kirkcuthbert'), which explains why the d is not pronounced in English. This also tells us that Kirkcudbright was once a Gaelic-speaking area.

Nach tèid thu an sàs anns na leabhraichean eile a dh'ainmich mi agus is mathaid gum faigh thu na freagairtean a tha sibh a' sireadh a thaobh nàdar a' chultair Ghàidhealaich.

88

,

23/08/2007 11:17:40
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89

,

23/08/2007 11:18:27
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90

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 11:22:44

#36 - Kate - You enjoy the Mod so much you have moved to Switzerland. Face it, the Mod is not of national importance. It is subsudused by all and sundry and to most people it is an irrelevance histroically, now and in the future because we are not gaels. If the Mod is to survive and go forward let it do so under its own steam. It called evolution.

As for Dave from Barra, I'd dearly love to me a canonese gael.

Languages to be taught in Scottish schools:
start with English;
French or Spanish;
Arabic; and
Cantonese.

Ancient Greek, Latin and Gaelic have one thing in common, they are all dead languages.

and another thing.... why did the licence payer pay to have Postman Pat translated into gaelic. Who on Earth came up with that brain wave?

91

J. E.,

23/08/2007 11:33:46

Dave from Barra

I see you have not got much of a response to your pertinent question asking for specific details of Gaelic culture.

Toirdhealbhach (79) quoted a piece of legislation to no avail; but your question remains unanswered. He also refers to the National Gaelic Language Plan. I haven’t read this document in detail, but I have read the one prepared by Highland Council.

The premise of this document is that “the Gaelic language is an integral part of Highland life”; this is patent nonsense. In no place in the Highlands can Gaelic be considered as a community language.

The Plan also asserts that one third of people who live in Skye and Lochalsh are Gaelic speakers. This figure is supported by data obtained from the 2001 Census; but on its own this figure is misleading. The figure includes many people who can say only a few words of Gaelic and who are unable to hold a conversation in the language. I can say “hello” in the language, but to call myself a Gaelic speaker would be very misleading. Census data from Ireland show that 1.6 million people speak Irish – well!

A final point I wish to make concerning the Plan illustrates that the Gaelic language is not merely a benign phenomenon. The document states:

“ In ‘Gaelic schools with English medium classes’, Gaelic will be the language of the whole school.”

What does this mean for the children who do not speak Gaelic? Would parents with English speaking children be dissuaded from moving to an area where this was the only type of school available? Raising children is a difficult enough exercise for many parents – putting up a barrier to communication would only make a difficult situation worse.

People often write about the divisive nature of Catholic schools on the Scotsman message board, aggressive Gaelicism fairs no better!

92

An Taghan,

An Tir Iosal 23/08/2007 11:34:41

It means I'm an a@sehole? Eh? Ha ha!! Glad I'm getting to you! I noticed you couldn't even respond to me arguments - let me guess, you didn't do well at school, right?

All I said was good luck to people who want to to do what they choose, and you abuse me for it. Are you ugly, per chance? A lot of very ugly fat people I know are really confused and angry like you.

'The Netherlands indeed...' What of it, you buffoon?
The reason I live in The Netherlands is to escape small minded weirdos (who are more than likely ugly and fat) like yourself.

93

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 11:38:50

#91

I don't give a shoit whether people are inclined toward me or away from me. Like I give a sh*t.

Of course you do. Everyone does.

94

Paddi,

23/08/2007 11:39:54

By a lonely prison wall, I heard a young girl calling............

that's celtic culture

95

Calum Crubag,

23/08/2007 11:40:05

Good point on both sides. The Mod for children is terrible. I've seen kids of 6 and 7 stand on 2 metre high stages in huge halls reciting the same poem or songs to a handful of parents in front of hard-faced auld bodaich.

As to 'Celtic' festivals. Fine but 'Celtic' means trashy mystical nonsense to a lot of folk, all in the medium of English. I'm not sure they actually help faciltate people using Gaelic naturally.

An Comann Gaidhealach outdated?! Chan e fealla-dha a tha siud idir idir! Nach tog sibh oirbh dhan 21mh linn?!!

96

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 11:43:10

#81 - does this mean that US culture wouldn't exist without the inuit or Australian culture (sic) not exist without the aboriginals?

Surely virtually every country in the World has been invaded, used as a migration route and all the rest of it so that to pretend that one culture is the sole founding premise of the place and that founding premise is the basis for the country's continued existence is stretching it a bit.

97

Calum Crubag,

23/08/2007 11:43:45

Hey is that Dave Gearaineach from Barraigh whinging about Gaelic again?!

Or,
Does the Pope cac in the woods?
Is An Comann sean-fhasanta?
Do the Scots have a cringe?

Fàilt' air ais bodach a' chac!

98

Calum Crubag,

23/08/2007 11:46:06

103- Gaelic is far from dead btw. Thousands of us still use it on a daily basis, be it on island or in city. There's always whingers about but i guess a certain portion of any given population will be inclined towards bigotry, navel-gazing and small mindedness.

99

Spotter,

23/08/2007 11:54:31

well Gaelic is a big deal here an awful lot of posts
surely someone should point out teh benefits of bilingualism and ease of learning lanuages the more languages a person speaks.
I think the world record holder for languages is scottish he speaks something like 26 and gaelic is his favourite
he lives in orkney or perhaps shetland -can anybody shed any light ?

100

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 11:55:42

105 - I have nothing against people speaking Gaelic or any other language for that matter. What I object to is the rest of the population having to fund something that is of little or no interest or relevance to them. BTW (is this a translatiopn of the Gaelic of By The Way or the English - curious coincidence that they match if the former) - how does the Gaelic language include new words into it? Do they take a bit of English and put a bit of Gaelic on the end, just adopt the english word or do you find ways of using existing bits of Gaelic words and cobble them together to have a similar meaning e.g. lap top computer?
I'm interested because where I am living now the native language is so cut with French and English with my small smattering of Arabic I can get the gist of what is being said.

And you shouldn't be so hard on the Mod supporters by calling them small minded, naval gazing bigots.

101

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 12:02:49

Incidentally, do any of you bods in the Utter He-Brides know is my old chum actor/writer Donald Smith of Barvas is still breathing?

Last I heard he'd had a heart attack and fancied being a fireman at Barra Airport

102

An Taghan,

An Tir Iosal 23/08/2007 12:08:03

CJO. Not sure what the official word for lap top is, but computer is just the same, i.e. directly taken from Latin. English has so many borrow words it's unreal. English doesn't even have a word for 'car', which is Gaulish, incidentally.

103

Calum Crubag,

Dun Eideann 23/08/2007 12:12:19

CJO - you sound confused. First you say the language is "dead", now you acknowledge people actually do speak it. Like most Gaelic speakers, or indeed most bilinguals, we often mix languages for a variety of reasons.

New words in Gaelic. Why don't you learn it and find out? Or is that outside your comfort zone? Better to sit and whinge.

Here's a test to get you started, some everyday nouns in Gaelic: càr (wonder where English got the word? , 'carbad'), eadar-lìon, luchag, sgàilean, itealan, meur-chlàr, làrach-lìn,post-d....

Now, try and found out how many European languages use words such internet, email and website. Then try and construct a sentence in English using only native Anglo-Saxon with no recent inputs from Latin or Celtic tongues, Urdu, Sanskrit, Arabic etc..

104

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 12:16:50

My understanding of where English comes from is that it is a mixture of many different languages and is always evolving.
Presumably when speaking in Gaelic, as thousands do every day, when a lap top is mentioned you will just sap top or mobile phone, SIM card. I thought we did have a word for car and it is in fact "car" which we have both just used. I like gaulish though.
Thanks.
Where is An Tir Iosal? I have no idea because I don't have a Gaelic background.

105

Calum Crubag,

Dun Eideann 23/08/2007 12:21:36

Car is from the old Celtic word 'carbad' meaning chariot. The Celts made it here before the Romans and made good use of them.

More info on bilingualism:
http://linguistlist.org/ask-ling/biling.html

CJO - i guess i speak Gaelic in the same way as English speakers throw words such as 'democracy', 'pizza','ceilidh' etc into their conversations. Poor English speakers shouldn't feel bad about this. I know Spanish speakers in Scotland who also throw 'internet' into their conversations. There's hope for you yet amadain.

106

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 12:22:50

Ah well, if you are bi-lingual I must be tri-lingual as I speak in English, French and Arabic everyday and very often in the same sentence. Don't get pompous on me.

Wee test for you Callum Crubag - translate this please. It is more relevant in modern Scotland given the number of migrants now living there than other languages.

Lughati al arabic laisat kama yajib, ahtaju moalem!

107

Kieron,

Stirling 23/08/2007 12:23:45

LOOK i've told you before. Its Tim Tam Tammer and Tim Tam Tammer all the way!!!

108

wegoda,

23/08/2007 12:25:41

As a long suffering parent of junior mod contestants I am totally convinced that the Mod is detrimental to the encouragement of Gaelic speaking and singing. The competition is so archaic, stiff, and dry in its format, and the judges comments often so insulting and negative, that it does absolutely nothing to enthuse the young participants. Any promotion of the language should be a joyous and motivating experience. Otherwise, much like attending church on a Sunday, voluntary participation in the Mod will become the sole preserve of the older generation.

109

toirdhealbhach,

Dùn Toirdhealbhaigh 23/08/2007 12:25:42

CJO, you don't know where An Tìr Ìosal is because you haven't taken the time to learn Gaelic and you probably went to one of the 95% of Scottish schools that don't even offer the option of learning Gaelic. It's not because you "don't have a Gaelic background". Important difference.

110

Jenny B,

New York State, US 23/08/2007 12:28:52

The loss of any language is a terrible thing. Here in the US we have lost dozens of Native American tribes and their languages.

It would be terrible to lose Scots-Gaelic, go to any American grocery store or bookstore, I would guess at least 20-25% of the romance novels over here have to do with Scotsmen speaking Gaelic (and wearing kilts.)

At least in historical romance Scotland and Gaelic go hand in hand.

111

Norbert Dentressangle,

23/08/2007 12:46:28

That's an interesting point about the perception of Gaelic abroad. Most of our European pals expect that we speak Gaelic as well as English at home. In light of their annoyingly good English, and the desire not to disappoint them, we obviously lie and converse with each other in a mixture of high octane Scots and Berlitz Gaelic.

As tosspot supreme Alan Brown, once of this blatt, said "It's only an idiom of ten thousand words, not a language." Perhaps we should be ensuring that some of the very basics are taught in our primary schools, as has been pointed out above learn to speak in one other language and the rest are so much easier.

PS Nobody on Lewis know if Donald Smith is still kicking?

112

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 12:50:18

#116 - The difference is noted however, it is not because I haven't taken the time to learn Gaelic it is because I have no interest, inclination or necessity to learn it. Example, I am in an Arabic country so I am learning to speak Arabic. When I was in Scotland, where I was born and bred in the lowlands, I spoke the language of that nation, English. Nothing whatsoever to do with not taking the time to learn Gaelic, it was and remains an irrelevance.

For the record - At my school you could learn Gaelic but it was admittedly extra curricular and would have got in the way of playing rugby. Still at least we had the option - bit like playing the trombone. Do it if you want but don't let it get in the way of subjects of relevance. Do you believe our children should be force fed Gaelic at school?

113

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 23/08/2007 12:50:57

I still don't understand why people are falling over themselves to save what is essentially a dying language - where are the efforts to save Ancient Greek, Latin, Aramaic - these languages have had more cultural significance but you don't see tax payers money being spent hand over fist trying to ressurrect them.

114

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 12:58:40

#120 - For God's sake don't put ideas into the politicians heads! Apart from the opportunity to learn the trombone and Gaelic, we could, as a language option take ancient Greek and Latin. Good, eh?

Just to annoy the Gaelic speakers, these lessons were taken during normal hours not in your own or prep time.

115

Daibhidh,

23/08/2007 13:09:29

Dave from Barra says: "If yer not a Gael but "love learning Gaelic" you will still never become a Gael. All you will be is the same person doing the same 21st century Scottish things but communicating, and badly at that, through another laungage."

This is the typical inward looking Gael attitude. Yes, Gaelic was treated badly in the past by Lowland Scots and the English, but in an ironic twist of fate, itas probably the non-Gaels who will make the language survive by learning it and promoting it...

Using your rationale, you are saying that someone who moves to Scotland, adopts the culture and considers themselves Scottish can never turly be a Scot...what utter rubbish...

116

Daibhidh,

23/08/2007 13:13:27

Nick Byrne says: "I still don't understand why people are falling over themselves to save what is essentially a dying language - where are the efforts to save Ancient Greek, Latin, Aramaic - these languages have had more cultural significance but you don't see tax payers money being spent hand over fist trying to ressurrect them."

Gaelic is still used as a day-to-day language in parts of Scotland, not something that can be said for the above languages...it's not dead, although it is endangered...Also, gaelic has had a huge influence on both English and Scots and also a huge influence on Scottish culture, it's an important part of our country's traditionals and modern culture, it should be resuced and should be invested in...in the grand schemeo f things, the money spent is penuts...why do you biogted, anti-gaelic lot have such ap roblem with the language??

I'm not a native speaker, but being an intelligent, open-minded person, I can see the benefits...

117

siusaidh,

23/08/2007 13:15:53

*30
I can only say, that you are rather ignorant.
Those children, who are in GME schools are better educated than those in any other school [it was actually proven] and since Glasgow and Inverness got their secondary Gaelic schools, the numbers have risen steadily for those parents wishing their children to go into GME.

As for the MOD....it should stay, but could do with getting somehow modernized esp. after hearing some say, that they don't have a chance to win anyhow, as they don't have the right name....

118

Geomac,

Scotland 23/08/2007 13:18:07

Exactly who wants to become a Gael - and what exactly is the point of the Gaelic language in a modern, global world?

119

jps,

23/08/2007 13:20:54

When the MOD casts up an astonishing virtuoso clarsach performance by a 10 year-old Hebridean girl, played with such gentleness and innocence, one automatically casts the detractors to a place they belong...sheer ignorance !

120

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 13:25:59

125# Geomac
Ochone, Ochone,...Ochoney no dae that!

121

CJO,

The Maghreb 23/08/2007 13:32:56

#123 - You make a couple of valid points but spoil it by implying that anyone not in favour of spending money to prop up the Gaelic language is a bigot. This just isn't true.

I have no idea how many people in scotkland speak Gaelic as their first or primary language. Neither do I know how many have a working knowledge of Gaelic - and by that I don't mean the wee Nationalist types that lob Alba into a post. Likewise I don't know the amount of money that is currently spent on propping up Gaelic. What I do know is that to the vast majority of the population of Scotland it is more or less irrelevant to their daily lives.

The original topic was the Mod, not the language. My original point was and is - if people want a Mod, knock yourselves out, have a Mod. Don't ask for the public at large to pay for it and certainly don't broadcast it on the national TV network - get it on cable with the other special interst groups. Akahow.

122

J. E.,

23/08/2007 13:33:06

Daibhidh number 123

You present open-mindedness as a virtue. Do you think Highland Council’s Gaelic language contains open-mindedness when it states the following:

“ In ‘Gaelic schools with English medium classes’, Gaelic will be the language of the whole school.”

I don’t think it does. I think it show aggressive Gaelicism at its very worst. See my post at number 98 for further details.

123

Four Digits,

sometimes newcastle sometimes leeds 23/08/2007 13:45:01

Forget the Gaelic issue and get back to the thread.

The MOD is boooooooooing with a capital BORE. The singing (if you can call it that) is just AWFUL it is not even pleasant to listen to for goodness sake, and worse still, good English TV is often cancelled to make room for this rubbish on BBC2 Scotland.

Just get rid of it and hold a rock festival instead like the rest of the world.

124

Nick_Byrne,

Glasgow 23/08/2007 13:54:27

I was lucky enough to be taught Latin and Greek and of course French at school but now they've been abandoned in schools (well not French) but for some reason my taxes are being used to support a language that has little bearing on my way of life or indeed most people's not being from the little Gaelic enclaves that still seem to survive.

I see little point in supporting it when it would be more useful to spend the cash on French German, Spanish even Chinese.

125

J. E.,

23/08/2007 13:55:27

CJO at 128

Not many folk speak Gaelic as a first language but data from the 2001 national census showed that 58,552 people claimed to be able to speak the language.

It is good of you to raise the question of costs in connection with Gaelic matters. Taxpayers and TV license fee payers contribute an awful lot towards Gaelic as it is. (Please see my posting at 26 for details).

126

Lianachan,

Highlands 23/08/2007 14:07:54

#112 "The Celts made it here before the Romans"

There's no such thing as a race of Celts, and there was no Celtic invasion. The "Celts" of the British Isles were almost entirely the descendants of the earlier natives of the islands, the ones who built Stonehenge, Maeshowe, etc... The term "Celtic" only has cultural and linguistic significance, there was a spread of Celtic languages and artistic styles, no doubt as a result of trade. A similar modern equivalent example could be that if I wear a baseball cap or, God help me, eat something at McDonalds, then that doesn't make me an American.

127

Generalissimo Hernandez,

23/08/2007 14:41:53

As regards TV coverage, I find the Mod marginally more interesting than rugby (otherwise known as competitve homosexuality).

Why do we waste taxpayers money supporting this minority interest?

128

Geomac,

Scotland 23/08/2007 15:10:47

#127 - I wish I was clever enough to understand your comment!

129

Hugo, Ayrshire,

23/08/2007 15:18:46

To anyone who says I am not european, I say DAMM YOUR EYES.

As a non-gaelic speaking lowlander, I recognise that the gaels have an ancient, honourable, and possibly more civilised culture than mine.

As a lowlander taxpayer I think my taxes are better spent supporting gaeldom than londonopolis (London and the southern counties).

Keep the Mod (and I have never been) - yes.

A pan Celtic festival involving my taxpayer money - why not.

130

Sedov,

Scotland 23/08/2007 15:25:42

With great respect to the Gaels -the mod is totally boring and very depressing -a bit like a Hank Williams love song, good presentation., but sad as an SNP supporter at a Morris Dance social. Lets have a bit of merriment for a change Celtic rock - the Peat Bogs, Wolfsstone, Salsa Celtica, Runrig etc with no sad songs allowed - We need cheered up not a greeetin match aboot some daft french guy goin to Skye.

131

Hugo, Ayrshire,

23/08/2007 15:39:10

# 133 Lianachan

"There's no such thing as a race of Celts"

My understanding is that the celtic people came out of eastern europe about 3,000 years bc ( or bce, if you prefer). Somewhere about 500 BC they were identified as one of the four major barbarian tribes by the Greeks (the others were, I think, the Lybians, the Indians, and I forget the fourth). They spread throughout europe, including Alba. They were identifiable as having common language and culture but were not a political unity, indeed one of their hallmarks was their internal feuding (does this sound familiar?).

I could be wrong (again).

132

Fairfax,

23/08/2007 16:06:09

Hugo (139): "My understanding is that the celtic people came out of eastern europe about 3,000 years bc"

Lianachan, however, may well be correct: there's really not much evidence for this at all. The common artistic style observed was once held to be evidence of population migration, but, as Lianachan points out, this need not be the case. You're correct that the Greeks use Keltoi as a term, as the Romans used Galli, but it's all really very hazy. Try Simon James: "The Atlantic Celts - Ancient People Or Modern Invention?"

On the other hand, if it's vaguely Celtic genetic heritage, then one large group would be the substantial number of Celtic descendants in England.
No doubt the invitation to the Celtic-descended English got lost in the post . . .

133

WL,

livingston 23/08/2007 16:21:39

#130
You are in England and you like good English TV. Could the people in Scotland please have good Scottish TV?

134

Ananurhing,

23/08/2007 16:30:53

136# Geomac.
Apologies. Nothing clever, just a feeble attempt at humour.

135

Fairfax,

23/08/2007 16:32:10

Daibhidh (122): "Gaelic is still used as a day-to-day language in parts of Scotland, not something that can be said for the above languages [i.e. Aramaic]"

Aramaic is endangered, but not dead: one estimate is that some half a million people speak some form of neo-Aramaic as their mother tongue.

136

Murdoch,

Fort William 23/08/2007 16:55:26

Typical Inverness councillor - it's "Highland" it's got to be in Inverness. Why don't we close down the whole highlands and move everything to Inverness, Oh, wait a minute, that's already happening ...

Inverness is most assuredly NOT the natural home of the Mod. Far more logical places would be Oban or Portree - or even Fort William where it is to be held this year. The highland "capital" demanded and got the HQ of the Gaelic Development Board (public sector cash and jobs - Inverness's speciality) but has it embraced gaelic?

137

Gervas,

Andorra 23/08/2007 17:11:09

The man who has his pants bored off (perhaps he should try wearing a kilt) is an Inverness-based solicitor who wants a bigger festival in his own town. The man is a lawyer - he is not interested I suspect in the cultural aspect so much as the chance to make more money by nefarious means.

Perhaps his next wheeze will be to sue the surrounding clans for compensation for their fine old tradition of periodically sacking the town.

138

Hugo, Ayrshire,

23/08/2007 17:29:47

#140 Fairfax
Or perhaps because they are not aware of their celtic

"On the other hand, if it's vaguely Celtic genetic heritage, then one large group would be the substantial number of Celtic descendants in England.
No doubt the invitation to the Celtic-descended English got lost in the post . . ."

Perhaps because they are ashamed? Or perhaps they are not aware of their celtic heritage? I read recently somewhere a statement that 80% of the english were of celtic decent with 18% saxon. I have no idea of correct that is.

Unlike most posters, I do not know the answers.

I find it interesting that the only response I had was yours about my digression about a celtic heritage and there was total silence about my main point about the pressure on Westminster regarding an Ireland/scotland/England/mainland Europe link.

139

Culandun,

Maine USA 23/08/2007 17:45:52

I, like many of my generation I suppose, wish I had had the opportunity to learn Gaelic at school. Miss Cameron did her best I suppose, but once I got to Inverness I found that the Markinsch lads knew how to deal with the Teuchters and many's the bloody nose I got for defending my accent. Is Gaelic a dying language? Well, only if it never receives love or nurture. Yes the Mod is boring. The format of repeated set pieces is outdated and should be changed, but let's not kill it off or change it completely so that it no longer represents Gaelic as she is spoke. Yes there's a place for the other Celtic languages but the Mod is uniquely Highland. Most of the music is more Moira Kennedy Martin than Run-Rig and that needs to change, as does the concentration on 19th and early 20th century composition. Yes, bring it up to date but let's be gentle with the old lady eh?

140

Calum Crubag,

23/08/2007 17:45:57

Dave from Barra - Perth was Pictish speaking? Well so were the Western Isles before the Celts and Norse came. I do know that there are still a few folk in Perthshire with a smattering of Gaelic, and they're not Picts. There's also much more on tape in the School of Scottish Studies. Linguists also point to Gaelc settlement in places such as East Lothian and take their evidence from the hundreds of Gaelic placenames still in evidence.

King Malcolm Ceannmor was the last king to rule over a Gaelic speaking court and had his seat in Edinburgh.

AS to money spent on Gaelic. Maybe we should question the money spent on crime prevention, given today's Scottish news. Why not leave crime prevention to parents and communities? Similarly, why not deny NHS benefits to fat people, smokers, heavy drinkers, drug users and those stupid enough to drive cars too fast?

:)

141

Tidsear1,

gourock 23/08/2007 18:06:07

#47
Any language that is currently spoken in the world is a modern language. This includes Gaelic.

142

tyson,

Annapolis, Maryland 23/08/2007 18:12:45

Potential dumb question alert - Would it be possible to have both the MOD, and the International Festival?

143

Jock Tamson,

Scotland, Caledonia, Alba 23/08/2007 18:18:48

Inverness could have a pan Celtic festival. Why does it have to be a replacement for the Mod?

Come on, Snecky, go organise.

144

Murdoch,

Fort William 23/08/2007 18:47:46

No.151

Inverness shouldn't have it. It'll say it's "good for the whole highlands" and keep all the cash (and any jobs) for itself.

Organise? They can't even have their own theatre open for the "Year of Culture" and a local councillor was hounded out of office for daring to question the ever-growing sums being thrown at its redevelopment (£24 million and counting). Still, I'm sure the people of Thurso, Wick and Portree will join the people of Fort William in rejoicing at the cash being lavished in their "capital".

145

d.j.,

23/08/2007 19:08:44

#67

I read often on boards about the Gaelic language being forced on the general population in Scotland, as if one could. The only thing that comes to mind, is lots of people think it can happen now because it was done in the Gaelic areas of Scotland with force from the time of the Statueds of Iona in 1609 and then by the Scottish Parliament fuelled later on by the zeal of the Society for Christian Knowledge and later the 1872 Education Act in Scotland.

146

d.j.,

23/08/2007 19:16:28

Can someone explain why there are Gaelic placenames such as Balerno, Melrose, Leith, Glenderg, all the craigs, crags, lochs, glens, straths,etc., in and around Edinburgh and the Borders if the Gaelic language had not been spoken there.

147

d.j.,

23/08/2007 19:20:42

I forgot to mention that it was English that was forced on the general population and not Gaelic.

148

david sneck,

England 23/08/2007 19:22:14

A number of so called Scots on this column probably deserve to have some English culture like Pete Docherty as their heritage instead.

149

Robert Burns,

Ocean Beach, San Diego, California, U.S.A. 23/08/2007 19:27:45

I caution against the risk of dilution by throwing the other Celtic cultures into Scotland's. The Irish Celts are more numerous and, over here, tend to overtake Scotch Celts in performances.

150

George7,

23/08/2007 19:50:59

d.j. - 155

Interesting point. Here's a link to an article which quotes John Josephs, professor of socio-linguistics at Edinburgh University. He has publicly stated his support for the Scottish Executive's policy on promoting Gaelic.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/...

I hope this is of some help to you.

151

Fairfax,

23/08/2007 19:59:08

Hugo (146): "Perhaps because they are ashamed? Or perhaps they are not aware of their celtic heritage?"

Certainly not the former, but possibly the latter. After all, self-identification as a Celt is so often a political reaction against the modern nation states of England, France and, to a lesser extent, Spain. There is also the less sympathetic ethnic nationalist side: a minority, perhaps, but obviously present, as we have seen on this forum.

As for genetic percentages, "The Origins of the British: A Genetic Detective Story", by S. Oppenheimer, is a fascinating read.

152

Fairfax,

23/08/2007 20:02:22

Jacqueline Hyd3 (152): "So, yes, why not have an international Celtic Festival?"

The French already do:

http://france-for-visitors.com/brittany/south/interceltic...

153

American Reader,

Oklahoma, USA 23/08/2007 20:07:21

For #32, I have attended the Mod for the last 7 years and not once has it been in Inverness. Dunoon twice, Lewis twice but not Inverness. I have been to Inverness many times and love the town and area. Would be a good place for the Mod and have often wondered why it has not been held there?!?

154

Gaidheal,

Here 23/08/2007 20:13:00

As my nickname suggests, I consider myself a Gael, I'm proud to be Scottish (though without the need to bash the English in order to prove that, which seems endemic to lowlanders) and I too find the Mòd boring in places. However, replacing it misses the point and if Inbhir Nis really wants something else to add to its bloated claims it should feel free to organize a new "Pan-Celtic Festival" - personally, I'd rather see it somewhere in Moray (I was born there and like the area, so pure self-interest I admit) or the far north such as Gearasdain.

Dave - Your narrow and contradictory attempts to define what it is to be a Gael do nothing for you, diminish the reputation of na h-Eilean Siar. Your wee islands were indeed once known as "the foreigners" in the not-so-very-distant past and if anything, your attitude suggests an insecurity in the identity of yourself as "Gael" (which would be stupid, given the present and past culture of the isles).

For the record, my Gàidhlig is not great, I did not have the opportunity to learn it at school, indeed I did not even attend Scots schools, spending much of my children abroad and mostly outside the UK, even. I don't think it need be forced on anyone but I see no reason why majority speaking areas cannot have signs in Gàidhlig alone, for example, after all, England has signs only in English (and often there have been incidents of confusion even there thanks to the nonsense that is "Standard English"). Also, it has as much right to public money as any other cultural and minority activity or interest. I cannot stand fitba, myself, along with many, many others, yet my TV schedule is full of it. Why should that not be shifted entirely to pay-per-view channels, hmm? ;¬)

155

Enster Buddy,

23/08/2007 20:14:28

What next, African Tribal chant and dance, Chineese dragons, and morris dancing?

156

Hunky Dorey,

Glasgow 23/08/2007 20:19:24

#22...... You may be a Leith lover,but you are most certainly not a poet and a scholar. Your comments suggest that you are an English lackey. Phoblacht na Alba abhu.

157

morris,

Edinburgh 23/08/2007 20:26:21

No one gains form the loss of a language and culture.
Everybody loses.
No one forces any of you to watch!

Both an international festival of Celtic nations (which they have in Lorient and no doubt other cities) and the Mod can both easily be accomodated,and one does not exclude or threaten the other.Those who say Gaelic is boring are probably admitting they cannot speak the language !

That does exclude you somewhat,so the sensible thing is go and so sonething you are interested in and leave the Mod alone!

I dont like cricket particularly but I dont stand at the Grange moaning this is boring! I watch Hearts (and then wish Id gone to the cricket)!

158

George7,

23/08/2007 20:59:48

Gaidheal - 9.13

Which "majority speaking areas" outside of the Western Isles would you be referring to?

Morris 9.26

We might not be forced to watch, but we are forced to pay! In fact we even had to pay £286,000 towards the Celtic festival in Lorient this year. For this sum of money the Lorient festival organisers kindly agreed to call their festival "The Year of Scotland".

The public purse is being raided at breakneck speed.

159

Eire-Girl,

Eire 23/08/2007 21:04:11

Incredible amount of mince being spoken above!! Seems the most straight-forward thing in the world to me - if the Mod is your thing, then go along/watch it on the tv, if its not.....don't! Can't imagine why five x half hour slots on BBC2, once a year should be the cause for such outrage?

160

d.j.,

23/08/2007 21:27:01

Considering all the damage that was done to the Gaelic language and its accompanying over the past 400 years by both the Scottish Aristocracy, the Scottish Parliament and then the British Parliament, is there not a case to be made for reparations. Had the natural increase in the Gaelic speaking population occured rather than been assimilated through various means there is every reason to beleive that today 10 million or more would be Gaelic speaking.

161

tyson,

Crabtown! 23/08/2007 21:32:31

152 - Jacqueline - Many thanks for the clarification. Crabs are fine right now as are the sweet corn and Maryland tomato go-withs available this time of year. I'm making hay with the sun shines, but as the summer wanes, there is always the prospect of the autumnal oyster season. Slainte!

162

GI fan,

Glasgow 23/08/2007 21:39:09

Dull? Boring??

Well you should have chosen a picture to reflect this!
Obviously the winning choir pictured are not bored, and by their bright, smiling faces, are certainly not dull!

163

Dabid,

Spain 23/08/2007 21:47:49

What is celtic culture?

Celtic languages in spain are completely different than those in Britain.

Just in case you didn´t know...

I don´t know either...

164

George7,

23/08/2007 22:25:07

G I fan 171

I think a suitable caption would be:

'Mr Taxpayer, he say "yes!"'

165

Tearlach,

24/08/2007 03:18:21

I was planning to write a comment that is actually on the topic of the article and wow, the usual Gaelic bashers have really come out of the woodwork. Before I go onto my comment, let me just point that the article with the headline "Mi-rùn beag a' bheag chuid..." make the point that according to recent polls, the Gaelic bashers are a very small minority.

As for the Mòd Naiseanta... I prefer to make my comments in Gaelic:

Chan eil mi airson mo ghearrainean fhoillseachadh dhan t-saoghal mhòr.

Thèid mi a dh'Alba airson a chiad turas san Dàmhair sa tighinn. Agus ged a tha a' Ghàidhlig agam agus ged as toigh leam a' Ghàidhlig gu mòr, chan eil e foilisceach gum bu chòir dhol dhan Mhòd Naiseanta. Chan eil ach cuid bheag de na cairdean Gàidhlig agam air a dhol ann riamh. 'S bochd sin. Bu chòir a bhith foilliseach. Tha sin a' ciallachadh nach eil am Mòd mar bu chòir.

A bharrachd air a sin, thar na 100+ bliadhnaichean a' Mhòid Nàiseanta, tha na h-aireamhan luchd-labhairt na Gàidhlig air tuiteam bho, chan eil fhios 'am, tòrr is 200,000 gu na lugha na 60,000. Le lùghdachadh mar sin, a' cheist a th' agam-sa, 's e a bheil am Mòd na thaic sam bith dhan Ghàidhlig. 'S dòcha gum bu chòir a bhith rudeigin eile ann na àite.

166

John R.,

Indianapolis, Indiana.USA 24/08/2007 05:22:01

A International Galic Festval could also attact entrants from Nova Scotia where Galic is still valued
International publicity might also attteact US, Australian,Canadian,andotherSchool,
College/University and Community Choral groups who might be interested in singing music in Galic, Just as they do in French, German, Latin etc.

167

siusaidh,

24/08/2007 07:43:54

*98
Actually the majority of parents/children are english speaking, who choose to go to Gaelic medium education.
Children pick it up very quickly and become therefore bilingual , which doesn't put up any communication barrier,just means ,that they are able to speak another language apart from English and hence able to learn other things easier.
Many parents decide to learn Gaelic themselves.

168

Duthil Kirk,

24/08/2007 08:51:24

How else should a Gaelic Language school present itself ?

In English ?
That rather defeats the purpose , does it not ?

169

Duthil Kirk,

24/08/2007 08:56:10

Daibhidh number 123

#129

"' You present open-mindedness as a virtue. Do you think Highland Council’s Gaelic language contains open-mindedness when it states the following:

“ In ‘Gaelic schools with English medium classes’, Gaelic will be the language of the whole school.”

I don’t think it does. I think it show aggressive Gaelicism at its very worst. See my post at number 98 for further details. ""

How else should a Gaelic Language school present itself ?

In English ?
That rather defeats the purpose , does it not ?

170

d.j.,

24/08/2007 09:56:52

It seems that everything around the English speaker has to be in English otherwise it is a threat to them. No wonder they dislike the French and the Welsh speakers who stand up to them.

171

seillean a mhirdenibha,

USA 24/08/2007 10:02:30

Humm! My Federal income Tax money collected here in Virginia goes to building bridges in Alaska. Probably not the worst thing that it does. But it would suit me better if it was used here in ol' Virginiy to maintain our highways.

I suspect that the Gaelic speakers in the Western Isles are not too thrilled that part of their tax money goes to repainting the fourth Bridge every few years--to the tune of 80 mill pounds. Tax revenues do that. Like the rain, tax money falls on everything--horse s***t and roses. Problem is, with taxes, one presons rose is another persons horse cac.

Education is intended to improve the mind. Develop mental muscles as it were. Learning to speak Gaelic does that. Money spent to educate kids is money well spent.

As for agresive gaelicasation---what about the agressive policies to stamp out Gaelic in the schools in the last century? It's lost so much ground because children were beaten and castigated for speaking their birth language and time came when their parents wouldn't teach them at home.

172

J. E.,

24/08/2007 10:09:41

Siusaidh at 176
Duthil Kirk at 178
re (98)

The Gaelic Language Plan drawn up by The Highland Council is manifestly and clearly divisive. The following quote is evidence of aggressive Gaelicism.

“ In ‘Gaelic schools with English medium classes’, Gaelic will be the language of the whole school.”

I believe that you both fail fully to understand the circumstances in which the above phrase could be applicable.

You both seem to assume that it will apply only in schools where parents have elected to choose Gaelic medium education. You both fail, I believe, to consider the possibility of schools becoming “Gaelic schools” whilst retaining a significant number of pupils in English medium classes. The parents of these children would not unreasonably want matters to be conducted in English; for the very good reason that English is the only language they understand.

173

WL,

livingston 24/08/2007 10:51:02

#181
And where are these Gaelic schools? Where do these parents and children come from; when you move to a Gaelic speaking area you have to try and integrate - that includes trying to learn the language.

174

Calum Crubag,

Dun Eideann 24/08/2007 11:54:38

Why not have more Gaelic punk music? It's certainly more lively than choirs. They even write their own songs, in Gaelic, too! Someone few if any choirs have done. Most choir folk can't even speak Gaelic.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gaelic_punk

175

,

24/08/2007 12:16:19
Comment Removed By Administrator
Reason: Scotsman Import, Original comment id: 903547, Article id was mapped to record!
176

d.j.,

24/08/2007 13:19:12

#184

What a pity #184 has so little knowledge to form a coherant opinion and has to resort to such drivel.
Maybe just maybe instead of foaming at the mouth a clearer thought or idea will emerge given time.

177

MichScot,

USA 24/08/2007 14:14:24

I don't speak Gaelic,but I love to try to figure out the road signs.

And you should keep the festival Scottish, or it will become another Irish festivity.

178

Chris M,

24/08/2007 14:22:06

#95 - Padraig Post worked very well translated into the Gaidhlig

Calum Crubag - s'math a rinn thu a balaich!!

#135 - I'm a Gaidhlig speaking rugby supporter and I think you'll find that most rugby is either on Sky TV or on Setanta - paid for by subscription and not paid for by taxpayers money. Saying that, you'll find the forthcoming Rugby World Cup being broadcast by ITV may well b*gger up the soap watching schedules over the next while

#147 - I think you'll find that a number of choirs are getting new pieces composed and arranged these days, so definitely not 19th and 20th Century compositions, but 21st Century ones.

#162 - the last time that the Mod was held in Inverness was in 1997. There now exists a "Mod circuit" and the event is to be rotated around a set number of locations based on the five regions of Scotland where An Commun has its membership base. The new system will be aimed at eliminating towns and villages regarded as unsuitable. Both Argyll and Highland regions of ACG will host the Mòd every three years Fort William and Inverness are in the Highland Region and Inverness' "bid" for 2007 was unsuccessful.

Mod 2008 = Falkirk
Mod 2009 = Oban
Mod 2010 = ? but the only bid submitted is for Thurso

179

MichScot,

USA 24/08/2007 14:30:53

#138

That is a good idea to have the modern singers in. However, there should be a mix of the old and the new, including those depressing songs.

What infused the Irish wave with new life?

Riverdance and Anuna.

180

J. E.,

24/08/2007 15:09:15

W.L. 182

I think a well publicised case that you would benefit from considering is that of Sleat Primary School in the Highlands (an internet search should provide you with the details) .

This school’s status was changed to that of a Gaelic school against the wishes of most parents concerned – including local parents and the parents of children in the Gaelic Medium unit.

Aggressive Gaelicism was much in evidence, manifesting itself in an attempt to exclude children from the school whose parents sought a normal education through the medium of English. Several families were forced to leave the area as a result, and comparisons were made with the racial segregation of pupils in the United States during the 1960’s.

Finally, might I remind you that nowhere outside of the Western Isles will you find a place where Gaelic can be considered as a community language.

181

d.j.,

24/08/2007 15:42:28

189
Most of what is written in 189 is wrong, but as one who knows the situation reasonably they require well in Sleat I would like to ask J. E. what he would do to ensure the children in the Gaelic Unit developed the wide range of social skills in Gaelic if English is being used all the time at playtime, in the corridors, every time they speak to a teacher on the English side of the school etc.

182

Tearlach,

24/08/2007 16:11:13

189.

This is an example of aggressive Anglicism. These guys swing wildly from "Gaelic is dead" to talk about the Gaelic Mafia and Aggressive Gaelicism. The fact is, if Sleat had gone all Gaelic, it would have been the third, I repeat the third one in all of Scotland, the other two being Glasgow, (opened what a year or two ago), Inver Ness (just opened).

For these guys, if there's an All Gaelic school anywhere is Scotland, then it's Aggressive Gaelicism.

183

skeptic griggsy,

Augusta, Ga. 24/08/2007 16:46:15

A pan-Celtic festival sounds like what one would want.There ought to be more pan-Celtic programs. How about Celtic language programs for all of the Isles? And including Breton is a good measure. What are the numbers of speakers of the various Celtic languages? Can they increase?

184

Calum Crubag,

24/08/2007 18:05:12

Btw... check out 'Seachd' when it goes on release. A work of art done on a shoestring budget and an apt reminder to some of the value of our indigenous folklore.
http://www.seachd.com/

S math 's fhiach e gu dearbh. Meal a naidheachd air iadsan a thug e dhuinn.

185

Uiseag,

Texas, USA 24/08/2007 20:42:35

I have never attended the Scottish Mòd, but I have participated many times in the Mods offered here in the US. Competitions are tough and it doesn't matter whether they are language competitions, choral competitions, spelling bees, math, ballroom dancing or whatever---they require a lot of preparation and practice and there are few PRIZE winners among the competitors. But they are very worthwhile to all the participants if they make you stretch your mind and skills. I have always had to hit the books hard to prepare. You don't know what you know until you test it!

Harsh judges need to be coached in how to provide constructive feedback. I have lobbied hard with An Comunn Gaidhlig Amereiga to ensure that our judges provide feedback that enables each competitior to grow in ability. That makes us all winners.

Compulsory pieces can be very boring to learn, for an audience to listen to and for a judge to endure, but they do level the competition. I expect there is room for change along the lines of the ballroom dancing competitions where one must do a foxtrot, but the competitor selects the music they will use. Or the gymnastics / ice skating method of expecting certain actions to occur during the performance. The cognate might be that pieces contain at least 3 instances of 'chd', 'la', srl.

As to whether the Royal Mòd should be televised in Scotland... Here in the States, such an event would certainly be broadcast on Public TV (PBS), but because it would be of national historical and cultural interest, it would even more likely be broadcast by one of the national commercial stations, just as sports events, beauty pageants and important concerts are.

I am constantly astonished that the question of whether to provide public support for Gaelic ever arises. There is an immense body of literature, poetry and song in Gaelic going back for more than a thousand years that is certainly worth a little effort to enjoy. Why ever would you actively throw

186

J. E.,

24/08/2007 21:29:15

d.j. - 190

What bits are wrong with what I have written in my previous comment?

Perhaps I should have said the 1950's instead of the 1960's, for it was in 1954 that the US Supreme Court found in favour of Linda Brown. This judgement was the first crack in the US's "Jim Crow" apartheid laws.

Here is a link for further details:

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/newspapers/sunday_times/...

187

J. E.,

24/08/2007 22:42:01

Tearlach 191

I would just like to say that the term “Gaelic Mafia” is not one I have ever used, and I think you are the first to use it in over 190 comments. It is a term I consider inappropriate and although it has some currency in our language, I question its validity. I would also urge others not to use this derogatory term. For those from abroad reading this comment and who are a bit confused, here is a link to an article that appeared in The Scotsman using the term:

http://thescotsman.scotsman.com/index.cfm?id=216682004

Finally, I am not opposed to the opening of dedicated Gaelic schools in principle. The two schools you mention in Glasgow and Inverness opened with the support of parents. In each case there was no movement which sought to exclude English mainstream children from the school – aggressive Gaelicism was absent in each case.

188

siusaidh,

25/08/2007 20:55:15

*130
'Just get rid of Gaelic and get back to this thread'....

Gaelic is pretty much the MOD.....which is stressy for the kids, but it does bring good income for the host town and brings Gaelic more to the forefront.

I do feel so, that those bi-lingual street signs, which are around north of Tyndrum at the moment, should be rolled out to the rest of Scotland, that way everyone will actually be aware of Gaelic as a language.

I believe also, that there are many more, who are able to speak [even so perhaps not fluent,yet] Gaelic, which aren't accounted for.
There are also many more, who don't speak, but still enjoy Gaelic programmes, as most of them have got subtitles, but have got nice stories or beautiful songs.


 

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