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It's been a few days since Scottish Gaelic launched on the @duolingo app + website ( https://www.duolingo.com ).
I've been having evening Gaelic classes since September, so from one student to another, here are a few tips on how to take your journey with GĂ idhlig further (thread):
I've been having evening Gaelic classes since September, so from one student to another, here are a few tips on how to take your journey with GĂ idhlig further (thread):
In terms of apps and online courses, @duolingo is not the first resource made available for learning Gaelic.
There's an app called @MangoLanguages that has a different approach. And LearnGaelic offers a great beginner's course that is extremely welcoming: https://learngaelic.scot/lg-beginners/index.jsp
There's an app called @MangoLanguages that has a different approach. And LearnGaelic offers a great beginner's course that is extremely welcoming: https://learngaelic.scot/lg-beginners/index.jsp
Books 
There are a few aimed at people learning on their own. I've tried many, but the one that worked best for me was Routledge's "Colloquial Scottish Gaelic". The pace, explanations, exercises and the audio on their website - this is, to me, the best book for a newbie.
There are a few aimed at people learning on their own. I've tried many, but the one that worked best for me was Routledge's "Colloquial Scottish Gaelic". The pace, explanations, exercises and the audio on their website - this is, to me, the best book for a newbie.
More books!
The sounds and pronunciation of Scottish Gaelic are often cited as a barrier to this language. In his book "Blas na GĂ idhlig", Michael Bauer ( @LowRisingTone) offers a very in-depth analysis into Gaelic phonetics, helping you familiarise in a very structured way.
The sounds and pronunciation of Scottish Gaelic are often cited as a barrier to this language. In his book "Blas na GĂ idhlig", Michael Bauer ( @LowRisingTone) offers a very in-depth analysis into Gaelic phonetics, helping you familiarise in a very structured way.
As for dictionaries, I think the best possible resources these days are online. Updated regularly and easy to use, they are far more practical than a physical alternative.
Again, https://learngaelic.scot offers a dictionary, as does the https://www.faclair.com/ website.
Again, https://learngaelic.scot offers a dictionary, as does the https://www.faclair.com/ website.
What about courses in the "real world", as opposed to online?
We turn to LearnGaelic again, where they offer a search tool to find lessons across Scotland: https://learngaelic.net/fios/ . It includes stuff from university courses to more casual classes, as well as distance learning.
We turn to LearnGaelic again, where they offer a search tool to find lessons across Scotland: https://learngaelic.net/fios/ . It includes stuff from university courses to more casual classes, as well as distance learning.
It can be helpful to check learning programmes offered by your own council.
As I said, I've been learning Gaelic since September thanks to evening classes provided by Edinburgh City Council. They're affordable, more laid-back and lots of fun ( @Kirstymacd3 is our brilliant tutor)
As I said, I've been learning Gaelic since September thanks to evening classes provided by Edinburgh City Council. They're affordable, more laid-back and lots of fun ( @Kirstymacd3 is our brilliant tutor)
Money doesn't need to be a barrier.
Public libraries across Scotland often have various books available with no cost to you, and the people working there can help you find what you need as well. With Duolingo and the LearnGaelic website, GĂ idhlig has never been more accessible.
Public libraries across Scotland often have various books available with no cost to you, and the people working there can help you find what you need as well. With Duolingo and the LearnGaelic website, GĂ idhlig has never been more accessible.
GĂ idhlig can seem impenetrable, particularly due to how alien it can look/sound in comparison to other languages more familiar to English. But that's a perception that is erased quickly, I promise you.
Keep at it. Find the way that works best for you. Gun tèid leat! (Good luck!)
Keep at it. Find the way that works best for you. Gun tèid leat! (Good luck!)
