How to Learn Gaelic Phrases and Pronunciation

Spoken primarily in Ireland, Gaelic, or Irish, is a Celtic language distantly related to Welsh and Cornish. There are several Irish dialects, as well as Scottish Gaelic, spoken in Scotland, and Manx Gaelic, spoken on the Isle of Man. Learning Gaelic entails the same process as learning any other foreign language. As with any language, learning Gaelic phrases and pronunciation can be a challenging and rewarding experience. Learning a foreign language greatly expands your ability to communicate with people from distinct cultural and linguistic backgrounds.

Things You'll Need

  • Language-learning software
  • Computer
  • Audio recording device
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Instructions

    • 1

      Focus on one form of Gaelic to start -- either Irish Gaelic, Scottish Gaelic or Manx. Download or buy a Gaelic language learning software program. Look for a program that comes with audio CDs or audio tracks, grammar lessons, units on pronunciation and lessons on common phrases.

    • 2

      Work through the program at your own pace. Study the grammar sections carefully, since having a solid grammar base will help you learn to construct phrases correctly. Use the audio accompaniments often. Say the words and phrases out loud to yourself to help train your mouth and ear to make the sounds commonly used in Gaelic.

    • 3

      Record yourself saying Gaelic words and phrases using a tape recorder or other audio recording device. Play your recordings back to yourself to hear how you sound compared to your program's audio tracks. Listening to yourself speaking Gaelic helps to train your ear to pick up on the subtleties of Gaelic pronunciation.

    • 4

      Enroll in a Gaelic language class at a local community college, university or language school. Practice speaking in class and with your instructor to work on your pronunciation and phrases. Alternatively, locate a native Gaelic speaker in your community who can tutor you.

    • 5

      Arrange get-togethers with your classmates to practice speaking Gaelic in an informal and relaxed atmosphere. Meet in a local coffee shop, park or restaurant and speak to each other only in Gaelic. Feeling relaxed can help increase your fluency in the language.

    • 6

      Check for language exchange opportunities with native Gaelic speakers. Your language school might post such opportunities. Arrange to meet up with your language exchange partner in a social setting where you can practice speaking.

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