Gaelic Learner Pathways
Slighean Luchd-ionnsachaidh
Learner Pathways
Ainm: Rowan NicPhàdraig
Bliadhna-fàgail: 2010
Obair: Digital Communications & Events Officer at An Comunn Gàidhealach
How did you learn Gaelic?
I studied Gaelic for learners in high school and then went to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, where I did An Cùrsa Comais: an intensive, one-year Gaelic course for learners who wish to reach fluency. After that, I stayed on at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for a further three years and did an honours degree in Gàidhlig & Leasachadh / Gaelic & Development.
How do you use Gaelic in your work?
I use Gaelic on a daily basis in my current work. Gaelic is the primary language myself and my colleagues use and the work we do is concerned mainly with the preservation and development of the Gaelic language and traditional music.
Have you had any other opportunities because of Gaelic?
I've had countless opportunities thanks to Gaelic. I've been fortunate to have studied abroad in Canada, taken trips to Ireland and Wales and have been invited to do interviews on the radio and television.
Ainm: Aonghas MacPhàidein
Bliadhna-fàgail: 1976
Obair: Gaelic Teaching Assistant
How did you learn Gaelic?
My parents and family were all Gaelic speakers. I also studied Gaelic to Higher Level in High School.
How do you use Gaelic in your work?
As a Gaelic Teaching Assistant, I speak Gaelic to/with pupils daily, and to work colleagues.
Have you had any other opportunities because of Gaelic?
I have had the opportunity to go on class trips to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and attend local Mods. I have also appeared on BBC Alba.
Ainm: Joy Dunlop
Bliadhna-fàgail: 2000
Obair: TV and Radio Presenter, Singer and Teacher
How did you learn Gaelic?
I first sang in Gaelic when the Royal National Mòd came to Oban but I didn’t start properly learning Gaelic until I went to Oban High School. I carried on with my Gaelic all the way to higher level, then decided to go to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic college on the Isle of Skye, instead of doing my sixth year in OHS. I loved it so much that I stayed there for four years, graduating with an honours degree in Gaelic Language and Culture.
How do you use Gaelic in your work?
Nearly every part of my work involves Gaelic; be it presenting on the tv/radio, singing and recording music, writing newspaper columns or teaching the language. I couldn’t do what I do without the language and I feel so lucky to have these opportunities.
Have you had any other opportunities because of Gaelic?
Too many to count! I’ve toured the world with my music, performing throughout the UK, Europe, Canada, USA, Japan and New Zealand. I lived and worked in Nova Scotia and represented Scotland at Eurovision – that’s a hard one to top! I have met so many fun and fascinating people and I feel so lucky that Gaelic has afforded me these opportunities.
Ainm: Ross Christie
Bliadhna-fàgail: 2016
Obair: Communications & Content Co-ordinator
How did you learn Gaelic?
There was no Gaelic in my immediate family, so I just learned in 'learners' classes at high school and kept going all the way till Advanced Higher level. I then went to Sabhal Mòr Ostaig for a year of immersion, where my Gaelic really came along to a good level of fluency. I then decided to stay at Sabhal Mòr for 3 more years to do a whole degree. I chose to do the degree in Language and Culture because it was really more of a hobby to me than something I wanted to get a job with, as I ended up getting a job in media which didn't really have any connection to that, but the course was great in giving me a grounding in everything about Gaelic historically and up to the modern day.
How do you use Gaelic in your work?
I use Gaelic more or less 99% of the time at work. The only time I don't is at company wide meetings which happen every month or so, as there are members of staff without Gaelic. So I can't imagine even being able to attempt my job in English - it would be so unnatural to go about starting a task in English that I'm so used to doing in Gaelic!
Have you had any other opportunities because of Gaelic?
I'd say all of the opportunities I've had since I left school have been because of Gaelic. The most amazing thing was going from taking part in FilmG in high school to being in the team that runs it a few years later. I've also gotten the chance to appear on Radio nan Gàidheal plenty times and also once on BBC ALBA - it's amazing to feel part of such a close but varied community. Every day nearly, a new opportunity appears, be it big or small, and I feel equipped to go for anything I want because of the extended education I've had from the Gaelic community over the past few years!
Ainm: Màiri Pheutan
Bliadhna-fàgail: 2013
Obair: Coordinator for BBC Gàidhlig
How did you learn Gaelic?
I learnt Gaelic through school and university. I had a bit of Gaelic growing up as it's my mums first language and I went to a Gaelic nursery but I didn't properly start learning til high school and then I went to study Gaelic at uni.
How do you use Gaelic in your work?
The majority of folk on my team speak Gaelic so we try to use it as often as we can - in general chat but also in work emails and calls. All our content is in Gaelic so we constantly use it when we're scripting, researching, filming, etc.
Have you had any other opportunities because of Gaelic?
I had the opportunity to do an exchange to Dublin in Uni. Gaelic has opened up a lot of work opportunities for me too - I don't think I'd have ever ended up working in TV if it wasn't for Gaelic and I've been lucky to have a variety of jobs within TV that have pretty much all been connected to Gaelic in one way or another.