Confessions of a Gaelic Learner

» Raonaid - I understand Kelly's feelings about Gaelic

It is very hard to be learning Gaelic and not really have anyone to share it with. I have just started and love it, but it is so hard to retain when you don't have anyone to speak to. It is a spoken language but in Utah who am I gonna speak to?

Great article!

-- posted by Raonaid

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» kpvincent - Re: I understand Kelly's feelings about Gaelic

Thanks! It is so frustrating to try to learn a language in isolation, no matter what language. I've been back in Scotland since May 2001 and still haven't really been able to make any progress, because I just don't have time. Learners of many other languages can at least get snippets of good language exposure by going on vacation in appropriate places. Last May I went to Stornoway and northern Lewis, and I did hear some Gaelic--but but not spoken by anyone who looked under 50. So that wasn't really great exposure, huh? I think it is possible to find lots of people there who speak it, but you have to ask, as it is not usually the language of choice in public.

But, take heart--there are other learners out there, and there are bound to be some in Utah. I met a couple at Sabhal Mor Ostaig in Skye who were from Colorado. And I was shocked to find that there is a learners' group in Oklahoma City. The trick is just finding these other people, though. Maybe we can come up with a way of finding them...

Kelly

In response to message posted by Raonaid:

-- posted by kpvincent

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