"You want to learn Gaelic? This book will give you an enjoyable start. We
hope that you will be hooked by the time you finish it" This announcement
falls on the back page of a 91 page paperback book by Acair Limited in
Stornoway. The book teaches the language through cartoons. Even before your begin, the book asks...
"Read this first!"
1. You want to learn Gaelic? This book will give you an enjoyable start. We hope you'll be hooked by the time you finish it.2. Don't give up. If you can speak English you can learn Gaelic. All it needs is time and determination.
3. A little at a time is the best way to learn.
4. Use your Gaelic whenever you can -- most Gaelic speakers will be on your side. If you can't understand them say:
Can a-rithist e. (kan a ree-eestch ay)
Say it again.
You can add:
Tha mi ag ionnsachadlh (Gaidhlig) (ha mee a gewn-sacha
(gahl-ig)
I am learning (Gaelic)
5. There are two types of people who will criticize this book to you on linguistic/dialect/pedagogic/methodological/lexical/grammatical/moral/aesthe tic grounds.
The first type will offer to teach you better. Accept. They probably will.
The second type are begrudges, pedants, no-hopers, dead-heads -- maybe anti-Scots! Who needs them?
6. If they complain that it is an act of political extremism to learn Gaelic, agree. They're right.
7. When you've finished with this book there are plenty of other courses in Gaelic. Some of them, like Gaidhlig Bheo and Can Seo, are accompanied by tapes or cassettes."