Learning Irish in Canberra

Ag foghlaim Gaeilge i gCanberra

Failte! Welcome to the Friends of Ireland Irish language webpage.

What is Irish?

Irish is one of the Celtic group of languages.

There are two branches of the Celtic languages.  Irish (Gaelic as it is often called),Scots Gaelic and Manx are in one branch and are broadly similar.  Welsh, Breton and Cornish are the other branch and are not at all similar.

During the peak periods of Irish emigration or transportation to Australia in the 18^th and 19^th centuries, most Irish people spoke Irish.

Why do people learn Irish in Australia now?

Irish is alive and well in Australia.  Classes are available in most capital cities and there are summer and winter schools where students can undertake intensive language experiences.

The reasons one wants to learn Irish are many and varied and may include:

• Those who were born in Ireland and may have learnt Irish at school want to reconnect with their Irish heritage;
• Australians of Irish descent who want to make a stronger connection with their ancestors and the language they spoke;
• Lovers of Irish music who want to know what all those strange looking words mean;
• To enrich your holiday in Ireland by having a few words of Irish before you go;
• Language enthusiasts looking for a new challenge.

Class details

Beginners classes are not available at present, because of lack of numbers.  A small group of beginners meets at 7.00 pm on Tuesdays at the Irish Club where some basic instruction is given.  Most then stay on and listen in on the advanced class.   For more information please call Bruce Kenna on ph.6288 8326, 0415 357 376 or email: 3gaeilge@homemail.com.au  or Barney Devlin on ph.6231 9104 or email angelabarney@homemail.com.au

For more advanced students, there is also a weekly class and conversation group that meets in the Club on Tuesday evenings at 7.30pm. All classes are under the auspices of Cairde na hEireann – the Friends of Ireland Society, in conjunction with the Canberra Irish Club.

To start you off

Here are some Irish words to get you started:

Hello….                       Dia Dhuit

How are you?               Conas atá tú

Goodbye………           Slán

Cheers!  (toast)…         Sláinte!

Ireland                          Éire

Australia                       an Astráil

e-mail                           ríomhphost

For more information about the Irish language in Australia, visit http://www.gaeilgesanastrail.com the website of the Irish Language Association of Australia.

“ An teanga níos binne na ceol na n-éan – The language that is sweeter than the song of the birds”.