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Gaelic in Modern Scotland

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Gaelic in Modern Scotland Gaelic in modern Scotland This item contains selected online content. It is for use alongside, not as a replacement for the module website, which is the primary study format and contains activities and resources that cannot be replicated in the printed versions. About this free course Find out more about studying with The Open University by visiting our online prospectus This version of the content may include video, images and interactive content that may not be optimised for your device. You can experience this free course as it was originally designed on OpenLearn, the home of free learning from The Open University – www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/more-languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-0 There you’ll also be able to track your progress via your activity record, which you can use to demonstrate your learning. Copyright © 2016 The Open University Intellectual property Unless otherwise stated, this resource is released under the terms of the Creative Commons Licence v4.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/deed.en_GB. Within that The Open University interprets this licence in the following way: www.open.edu/openlearn/about-openlearn/frequently-asked-questions-on-openlearn. Copyright and rights falling outside the terms of the Creative Commons Licence are retained or controlled by The Open University. Please read the full text before using any of the content. We believe the primary barrier to accessing high-quality educational experiences is cost, which is why we aim to publish as much free content as possible under an open licence. If it proves difficult to release content under our preferred Creative Commons licence (e.g. because we can’t afford or gain the clearances or find suitable alternatives), we will still release the materials for free under a personal end- user licence. This is because the learning experience will always be the same high quality offering and that should always be seen as positive – even if at times the licensing is different to Creative Commons. When using the content you must attribute us (The Open University) (the OU) and any identified author in accordance with the terms of the Creative Commons Licence. The Acknowledgements section is used to list, amongst other things, third party (Proprietary), licensed content which is not subject to Creative Commons licensing. Proprietary content must be used (retained) intact and in context to the content at all times. The Acknowledgements section is also used to bring to your attention any other Special Restrictions which may apply to the content. For example there may be times when the Creative Commons Non- Commercial Sharealike licence does not apply to any of the content even if owned by us (The Open University). In these instances, unless stated otherwise, the content may be used for personal and non- commercial use. We have also identified as Proprietary other material included in the content which is not subject to Creative Commons Licence. These are OU logos, trading names and may extend to certain photographic and video images and sound recordings and any other material as may be brought to your attention. Unauthorised use of any of the content may constitute a breach of the terms and conditions and/or intellectual property laws. We reserve the right to alter, amend or bring to an end any terms and conditions provided here without notice. All rights falling outside the terms of the Creative Commons licence are retained or controlled by The Open University. Head of Intellectual Property, The Open University 2 of 103 http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/more-languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-0?utm_source=openlearnutm_campaign=olutm_medium=ebook Friday 3 July 2020 Contents Introduction 5 Learning Outcomes 7 1 Gaelic as a national language of Scotland 8 1.1 Introduction 8 1.2 History 8 1.3 Place name evidence 15 1.4 Retreat into the north and west 16 1.5 Religion 18 1.6 Education 20 2 Celtic roots and international reach 22 2.1 Introduction 22 2.2 The rise of the Celts 22 2.3 Celtic place names 26 2.4 The insular Celts 28 2.5 The Brythonic languages 30 2.6 The Goidelic languages 30 2.7 The Celtic Diaspora 33 2.8 Learners and enthusiasts worldwide 35 3 Gaelic in the modern era 37 3.1 Who speaks Gaelic? 37 3.2 Decline 39 3.3 Revival 42 3.4 Gaelic alive! 45 4 Gaelic – the rationale 50 4.1 Bilingualism 50 4.2 Why learn Gaelic? 53 4.3 The rights of linguistic minorities 55 4.4 Home and abroad: examples of bilingualism 57 5 How the Gaelic language works 60 5.1 How do I say…? 60 5.2 Gaelic: some basics 62 5.3 New words: and evolving language 67 5.4 How to learn Gaelic 71 5.5 Options for children 73 6 Gaelic culture: a national asset 76 6.1 The art of the Gàidhealtachd 76 6.2 Gaelic music and song 83 6.3 Dance 91 6.4 Gaelic literature 97 6.5 Sports and pastimes 101 3 of 103 http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/more-languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-0?utm_source=openlearnutm_campaign=olutm_medium=ebook Friday 3 July 2020 Introduction Introduction Modern Scotland is a multi-lingual country. Gaelic, Scots and English, along with newer introductions from Europe and beyond, all influence the way Scotland’s people now speak to each other and to the rest of the world. Created with the positive encouragement of Bòrd na Gàidhlig and with support from BBC Alba, this course – available in both Gaelic and English – has been designed to provide a resource for people with a personal or professional interest in increasing their knowledge and understanding of the development and impact of Scottish Gaelic and its culture. It aims to surprise and challenge where necessary; to provide links and ideas for further research; and, for some, to kick-start a journey into learning a language which is integral to Scotland’s national identity. The course is made up of seven sections which can be studied in sequence or individually. This course is also available on our OpenLearn Works website, where you can download and customise these materials to use in your own teaching or staff development. Contents 1. Gaelic as a national language of Scotland Here you will learn how Gaelic sits alongside Scots and English as one of Scotland’s national languages. For example, by exploring the origin of place- names, you will learn about the influence of Gaelic right across Scotland. 2. Celtic roots and international reach This section provides an introduction to the origins and Celtic roots of Gaelic and its close linguistic relations including Irish and Manx. You will also hear and see how emigration from Scotland took Gaelic to the Americas and how there are now learners of Gaelic across the world. 3. Gaelic in the modern era Provides an up to date picture of who is speaking Gaelic now. It will help you understand the reasons for the decline in the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland in the 20th century and the work currently being done by government, educational institutions and independent agencies to support and grow Gaelic language acquisition. There are links here to where to go if you decide you want to take your study of Gaelic further. 4. Gaelic – the rationale Asks you to consider the value of bi-lingualism/multi-lingualism to individuals and society. It draws on the example of New Zealand to explore how other countries have sought to protect and celebrate the contribution of their indigenous minority languages. 5. How the Gaelic language works Hear Gaelic spoken and practice for yourself. Audio resources will give you an insight into how Gaelic spelling, grammar and pronunciation work. 6. Gaelic culture: a national asset 4 of 103 http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/more-languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-0?utm_source=openlearnutm_campaign=olutm_medium=ebook Friday 3 July 2020 Introduction Lots of pictures, clips and links to people, places and events will help you learn how Gaelic language and culture continue to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s literature, visual arts, music, dance and sporting life. 7. FAQs A list of frequently asked questions (FAQs) for people who need quick and easy access to the facts and figures concerning Gaelic Find out more about studying with The Open University by visiting our online prospectus 5 of 103 http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/more-languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-0?utm_source=openlearnutm_campaign=olutm_medium=ebook Friday 3 July 2020 Learning Outcomes Learning Outcomes After studying this course, you should be able to: ● understand how Gaelic sits alongside Scots and English as one of Scotland’s national languages ● understand the origins and Celtic roots of Gaelic and its close linguistic relations, including Irish and Manx, and the Gaelic Diaspora ● understand who is speaking Gaelic now, the decline in Gaelic speakers in the twentieth century and the work currently being done by government, educational institutions and independent agencies to support and grow Gaelic language acquisition the value of bi-lingualism/multi-lingualism to individuals and society, and the efforts made by countries like New Zealand to protect and celebrate the contribution of indigenous minority languages ● understand how Gaelic is spoken ● understand how Gaelic language and culture continue to make a significant contribution to Scotland’s literature, visual arts, music, dance and sporting life. 6 of 103 http://www.open.edu/openlearn/languages/more-languages/gaelic-modern-scotland/content-section-0?utm_source=openlearnutm_campaign=olutm_medium=ebook Friday 3 July 2020 1 Gaelic as a national language of Scotland 1.1 Introduction Modern Scotland, like most nations of the world, is a multilingual entity with a complex linguistic history.
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