SPEAKGAELIC

SpeakGaelic, a new multiplatform Gaelic learning resource hailed as a game-changer for Gaelic learning, launches today (Friday 15 October).

Whether you are a beginner or looking to refresh your language skills, SpeakGaelic combines online or face-to-face Gaelic classes, with complementary learning materials across BBC ALBA, BBC Sounds and dedicated SpeakGaelic platforms. 

As part of the SpeakGaelic partnership, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig has produced free-to-use teaching materials that have been designed to support new and existing Gaelic tutors to plan and deliver structured community classes.

Marsaili MacLeod, SpeakGaelic Board Member and Director of Studies at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the National Centre for the Gaelic language and Culture, said:  

“Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is delighted to be providing the learning materials for such an accessible, multiplatform resource as SpeakGaelic, taking Gaelic learners on their own personal journey to becoming confident Gaelic speakers.

“Community learning is at the heart of our mission as a national centre, and we look forward to providing face-to-face SpeakGaelic classes, available via www.smo.uhi.ac.uk.

“We are immensely proud of Joy Dunlop and Calum Maclean, two Sabhal Mòr Ostaig graduates, who will be presenting this pioneering project and helping shape a new generation of Gaelic speakers.”

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig lecturer and BBC Radio nan Gàidheal presenter John Urquhart will also be providing podcast and radio content.

Màrtainn Mac a’ Bhàillidh, Adult Learning Manager at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and co-author of the SpeakGaelic and Gaelic Duolingo courses said:

“Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Duolingo have raised accessibility and interest in the Gaelic language amongst both language learners in Scotland and the Gaelic diaspora around the world.

“SpeakGaelic is a huge step forward that will help strengthen and expand the current Gaelic learning environment, with a vast array of structured learning resources, which will help new and current learners progress through to fluency.”

SpeakGaelic, a partnership between MG ALBA, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and the BBC, with funding from Bòrd na Gàidhlig and the Scottish Government, offers a comprehensive media approach reflecting the modern digital learning environment.

The flexible course materials for beginners (CEFR level A1 Entry) provide for 13 or 26 weeks of learning, with 1 or 2 lessons of up to two hours per week. There are supporting TV programmes and podcasts from BBC ALBA and a website which can also be used to support study. There will be three further levels of the course to support progression in the language. This course is designed around the CEFR scale, with level A1 Entry now open for applications at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and other community providers.