Language taster classes

We are running a number of taster classes throughout 2012/2013, in association with the Office of Lifelong Learning and the Edinburgh University Students’ Association.

As part of its commitment to increase Gaelic awareness throughout its staff and students, the 6-week free 'taster' language classes are the perfect ‘stepping stone’ into further language learning offered by the Office of Lifelong Learning.

Course summary

The aim of the course is to introduce staff and students to the basics of the Scottish Gaelic language. You will learn how to read and understand simple texts, what to ask and what to answer when you meet new people and how to talk about yourselves.

The Gaelic grammar is taught interactively. The language practice is based on small group and pair work, developing of oral communication skills, written home exercises and listening comprehension tasks. All materials are supplied by the tutor.

Pre-requisites for enrolment

No previous knowledge is required.

Content of course

Introduction to Gaelic pronunciation and spelling and the role of lenition.
Greetings and introducing oneself.
Time and numbers.
The definite article, prepositional pronouns, direct object constructions.
Present, past and future tenses of verbs.

Teaching methods

The course is tutorial-based, with a combination of whole class activity and group work, and the use of audio-visual material as teaching aids.

In order to benefit fully from the course and to achieve the learning outcomes, you will need to devote some time out with classes to revision and homework.

Learning outcomes

By the end of the course participants students should be able to:

Pronounce Gaelic with reasonable accuracy.
Understand the Gaelic spelling system.
Understand basic grammatical structures in Gaelic.
Understand and produce basic functional statements in Gaelic.

Readings

Handouts will be provided; there is no need to purchase a book.

Dates

Classes will run on the following dates:

Staff - 29 April - 03 June, Monday evenings 16:30-18:00
Students - This class ran from 04 February - 18 March. Autumn dates will be updated on this page.

Booking

Places for the Gaelic language taster classes can be reserved through gaelic@ed.ac.uk (staff) and the Edinburgh University Students' Association (students).