Scottish Gaelic belongs to the Celtic family of languages and is closely related to Irish Gaelic and Manx. Welsh, Breton, Cornish, the other Celtic languages, are more distant cousins.
No other modern language has been spoken in Scotland for so long as Gaelic. It's at the heart of Scotland’s history and culture and its imprint is almost everywhere in the nation.
Decline
Economic hardship in the late 18th and 19th centuries resulted in both forced and voluntary emigration from the north of Scotland which meant that many thousands of Gaelic speakers left for the industrialising Lowlands or for the New World mainly in Canada but also Australia. This, together with factors such as the failure to give Gaelic its proper place when universal education was established in the late 19th century, caused the number of Gaelic speakers to decline.
Revival
Although still not recognised as a minority language in the UK or by the EU, the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 established a language development body, Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Gaelic playgroups and Gaelic-medium education at primary and secondary levels have undergone unprecedented growth in many areas of Scotland. Gaelic is increasingly used on road signs, adverts and government websites. More Gaelic TV and radio programmes are now available than in the past.
Suas leis a’ Ghàidhlig! Up with the Gaelic!
Even after centuries of repression, this is a living language still spoken by around 65,000 people in Scotland (and more in parts of Canada). It's strongest in the Western Isles, with substantial communities elsewhere.
Our classes
We have three classes running in 2024:
The Beginners Gaelic Class for beginners and those who have a little Gaelic.
The Intermediate class for those who have done the beginners class or have some more Gaelic
The Gaelic Class for those who wish to extend their Gaelic.
If demand is sufficient we will run an Independent Learners Group: a self help group of advanced learners.
Where
Our classes are at classrooms in Carlton on Wednesdays from 7:00 to 8:30 pm. Classes will NOT be held during school holidays. Places in the classrooms are limited so students will need to register before attending.
Interested?
BUIDHEANN CABADAICH
The Society runs a Gaelic chat Group – Buidheann Cabadaich - once a fortnight via Zoom on Saturdays from 5:00 to 6:00pm providing an opportunity for learners to practice their Gaelic speaking. You do not need to be a member of the Scottish Gaelic Society to join this group.
To register email contact@scottishgaelicvictoria.org.au