Gaelic Taster Classes for University Staff and Students
We run Gaelic taster courses for staff and students in association with the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, as part of the University's Gaelic Language Plan.
We run Gaelic taster courses for staff, and for students in association with the Edinburgh University Students’ Association, as part of the University's Gaelic Language Plan.
We are committed to increasing Gaelic awareness among University staff and students. These 6-week free 'taster' language classes are the perfect ‘stepping stone’ into further language learning offered by the Centre for Open Learning.
Course summary
The aim of the courses is to introduce staff and students to the basics of Scottish Gaelic. You will learn how to engage in basic conversation and gain some practical knowledge of elementary Gaelic grammar.
We adopt a communicative approach to teaching. Speaking and listening skills are developed through small group and pair work. For consolidation, written homework exercises may be given. 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
- Likes and dislikes
- In a café or pub
- The definite article, prepositional pronouns, direct object constructions
Teaching methods
The emphasis in this course is on speaking and listening. The lessons will focus on language that is required for communicating in real situations.
The lessons will include whole class activities and pair or small group work, role-play, watching videos and listening to CDs. Grammar is introduced in context. Extensive written exercises and reading texts are set as homework where appropriate.
In order to fully benefit from the course and to achieve the learning outcomes, you will need to devote some time outwith 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 and produce basic functional statements in Gaelic.
- Understand the Gaelic spelling system.
- Understand basic grammatical structures in Gaelic.
Readings
Handouts will be provided; there is no need to purchase a book.
Dates
Classes will run on the following dates:
- Staff - Taster courses start in October, February and April. Each course will be advertised on the MyEd Events channel a few weeks before it runs.
- Students - EUSA taster courses run in October and February. They are advertised by EUSA a few weeks before they start.
Booking
Places for the Gaelic language taster classes are offered throughout each academic year and can be reserved through the MyEd Events channel (staff) and the Edinburgh University Students' Association (students).