Joy leads the way with Gaelic learning project
A multi-media Gaelic learning initiative is stepping up to its second stage with Connel’s Joy Dunlop taking the lead.
TV weather presenter Joy is one of the presenters of SpeakGaelic along with Calum Maclean.
Having had more than 250,000 plays of its SpeakGaelic content since the launch of its first stage last year, the project is ready to take users to the next stage in their journey.
The National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, is the foundation for materials used for the SpeakGaelic programmes available on BBC iPlayer, BBC Sounds, the BBC ALBA channel and YouTube.
Self-guided online learning is also possible through the SpeakGaelic website and so is face-to-face learning with Gaelic classes and tutors adopting the programme.
The initiative is being delivered by a partnership between MG ALBA, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the BBC, and is funded by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Government, MG ALBA and the BBC.
The project's first stage was aimed at beginners and launched in October 2021. This next stage is to move them further on and for anyone who has previous knowledge of Gaelic but needs a refresher.
SpeakGaelic project director and director of multi-platform content at MG ALBA, Iseabail Mactaggart, said SpeakGaelic is the biggest project ever aimed at helping adults take up and improve their Gaelic and aims at being a game-changer for the learning and usage of Gaelic.
'It’s hugely important that we make it as easy as possible to learn Gaelic, and for those who already have Gaelic, to grow in confidence in its use, and offering this multi-platform approach allows individuals, classes and institutions to choose their preferred route, with complementary content available whenever they need it. It’s vital for the future of Gaelic – and for its role in a modern, diverse Scotland – that we build confidence in all of the language’s speakers, whether they are new or lapsed or already fluent and seeking to consolidate. As each stage of SpeakGaelic comes on stream, we hope everyone with an interest in using their Gaelic finds the material and content that suits them, wherever and however they learn, so we help them grow in confidence,' she said.
Go to www.speakgaelic.scot to find out more or follow the SpeakGaelic social media pages.
‘It's hugely important that we make it as easy as possible to learn Gaelic and, for those who already have Gaelic, to grow in confidence in its use.’