Select the Celtic language you wish to learn. Apply for a course in a college, university or a Celtic organization that offers Celtic lessons. Visit the Foram na Ghaidhlig website to acquire information on resources and phonology. Ask the instructor to advise you on the appropriate reading materials and where to find them. In the absence of any classes, obtain the necessary reading materials to commence your study from bookshops, Celtic organizations and Celtic language websites. The Celtic League American Branch in New York City, is an example of a Celtic organization that publishes Celtic language materials.
Obtain a modern guide to the Celtic language. Avoid the older books because they use formal styles in teaching and their grammar style is not engaging. Different authors and organizations publish useful texts on learning the Celtic languages; "Beginner's Gaelic" by James McLaren; "Learning the Celtic Languages" and "Celtic Pages," both published by the Celtic League are useful books to assist you in commencing your study. Train yourself to visualize the meaning of the grammatical structures you learn rather than mentally translating them to English.
Obtain a Celtic language dictionary to use as a reference text once you grasp the grammar and vocabulary of the language. Am Briathracachan Beag is an example of a Gaelic-English dictionary written by Malcolm MacFarlane. Do not use the dictionary as a principal tool for translating the words. Internalize the words in a grammatical and native Celtic context instead of translating the texts word for word. A children's edition of mythology and folktales is a suitable text to use when practicing Celtic grammar.
Acquire phrase books and audio tapes to supplement your reading materials. You can listen to language tapes while working or during your leisure time. These materials are available in bookstores or through Celtic organizations. Find a Celtic speaker through a Celtic organization, such as the Celtic League, to assist in checking your pronunciations and to answer your questions relating to the Celtic language.
Utilize available online resources. You can find useful websites that offer online courses on Celtic languages. Beul an Tobair is an online course offered by the Gaelic College in Cape Breton. Download software bundles for learning a Celtic language; 2checkout.com Inc., is an example of a website where you can order the software bundles. The bundles contain the software learning program, an audio compact disc and a short book of stories. A fee is charged for the language packages.
Expand your knowledge of the language by engaging in cultural studies. Obtain materials on vocal music and poetry, as both aid in learning the rhythm of a language and are suitable for memorizing. Recordings and albums are found in music shops, Celtic import shops or by mail order. Begin with familiar poems and progress to more contemporary poetry that covers a wide range of styles, from strict meter verses to folk poetry.
Practice the use of the language to reinforce your studies. Find other Celtic learners through Celtic organizations or join an online Celtic language mailing list. Use the language in ordinary conversations with other Celtic speakers. Attend a Celtic-language festival, or take a residential language course to polish your knowledge on the language.