When it comes to the Irish language, the motivations for learning go beyond just acquiring a new skill. For many of us, the language connects us with the essence of our country’s heritage, allowing us to discover and appreciate an array of literature, music and folklore that contribute to our culture.
Much of the writing that can be found in Irish speaks about the rich history the country has experienced and can allow us to connect with our heritage.
Approximately 1.80 million people can speak some level of Irish in Ireland today, which is 30% to 40% of the population. Most people learn it as a second language, but about 140,000 of them are native Irish speakers.
So next time you are walking down the street and pass a stranger, try greeting them in Irish; you might be surprised by the conversation that evolves from there.
If you are looking for where you can find the language being spoken fluently, then you will want to take a trip and visit one of the island's Gaeltacht regions. In Gaeltacht areas, Irish is spoken as the first language.
In fact, many student flock to these areas to attend Irish language colleges over the summer months in order to develop their command of the language and jump a few grades in the Leaving Cert Irish exams.
As a result of the increasing popularity of Gaelic Irish, more and more online resources are becoming available for people who are trying to learn the language.
If you want to discover where you can go about accelerating your learning from your laptop, then you are in luck. In this article, I will provide a guide to learning Irish online so that you can add your name to the list of 'geailgeoirs' in the country.
Online Resources for Learning Irish
One of the reasons students might be deterred from learning to speak the Irish language is that it is often viewed across Irish secondary schools as a subject rather than a language.
What I mean by that is that students are taught to prepare for their junior and leaving cert exams from the very beginning, sometimes losing sight of the practicalities of retaining the information after they walk out of their final exam halls.
It’s important that we place significant focus on developing our ability to speak and write in the Irish language, not just regurgitating learned essays from the internet, to achieve success in our exams.
I will provide a strategic mix of online resources to ensure that you have the resources you need to develop your language skills while still achieving the results you deserve in the junior or Leaving Cert exams.
By keeping Irish Leaving Cert exam papers at the core of your study plan and supplementing your learning with a variety of effective online resources, you are guaranteed to achieve your academic potential in June!
Start Enjoying your Learning by Watching TG4 Player
One of the most effective ways of learning a language is to immerse yourself in it. The TG4 player offers a host of media broadcasts in Irish.
TG4 provides insights into culture, enriching the learning journey. Ranging from music to dramas, the channel's varied content caters to diverse interests while fostering a deeper appreciation for the language and heritage.
This is one of my favourite resources, as it requires little to no effort and will make your learning experience far more enjoyable and sustainable.
You can even leave your Irish programmes or films on in the background as you go about other tasks. Hearing the language being spoken can be enough to jog your memory back to some of the vocabulary you will have covered in class.
Of course, it is most beneficial to give each show your undivided attention. Reading the subtitles as you watch along will really enhance the learning process by helping you translate words into English and compare them with the Irish dialogue.
Master Irish with private tutoring by skilled tutors. Experience comprehensive Irish language courses that cater to your needs.
Incorporate Irish into your Routine by Watching 'Clannad'
Immersing yourself in the Irish language can be as simple as adding the beloved anime series Clannad to your watch list.
This loved show has garnered a global fan base, offering a special chance to enjoy an intriguing plot and dive into the melodic flow of the Irish language.
Although Clannad primarily uses Japanese as its language, it includes characters who communicate in Irish Gaelic, creating an immersive way to learn the language's intricacies.
Viewing Clannad with subtitles can enrich your learning journey. Listening to speakers and reading along with the text can solidify your grasp of the language.
Learning Irish is no longer confined to bleak textbooks that have likely been used since your parents were at school. Make the most of the diverse selection of resources that you have at your disposal and begin enjoying your learning of our beautiful language.
Improve your Grades with StudyClix
Okay, now that we have covered an online resource that will help you develop your ability to understand and speak the language, I’ll introduce an online resource that will help you in your exam preparation.
If you are studying for the Junior or Leaving Cert Irish exams, then supplementing your learning with Study Clix will go a long way in developing your mechanics. Here you will find a range of resources such as grammar work, vocabulary exercises as well as mock exam material.
Would you believe it even provides study plans based on your own learning goals and preferences? Whether you prefer self-paced study or a structured program, StudyClix can cater to your needs, keeping you motivated and focused on reaching your language learning goals.
Additionally, the community aspect of StudyClix enhances the learning journey by creating opportunities for interaction through forums, discussion boards and quizzes.
This is a great way to hear from Leaving Cert teachers and students about predictions for the exams or how to tackle answering different styles of questions.
Start Using Social Media as a Tool for Learning
Social media often gets a bad reputation for being a waste of time. The truth is this depends on how you are using your time across these applications. Social media can actually be a powerful tool that makes your learning all the more accessible and enjoyable.
There are many Irish channels that have established a presence across social media platforms, providing unique and engaging content about the Irish language. You can
Two pages that you can go ahead and follow on Instagram are 'gaeilge I mo chroi' and 'cna gaeilge'. By following these accounts, you can expect Irish-language content that you've never seen. You can even interact with their stories, where they often host quizzes and language tips.
You may also be shocked to find that they also regularly post hilarious Irish language memes. If you don't understand the respective phrase at first, they include translations in their captions!
You'll definitely remember the phrase from its clever incorporation into a knee-slapping meme.
You can also switch your social media accounts to Irish. Facebook and Twitter both offer the option to switch your language settings to Irish. Although it might be challenging at first to learn the terms, once you grasp their meanings, they tend to stick with you.
In addition, using these platforms provides a way to connect with Irish speakers who are open to sharing their knowledge and enthusiastic about using the language!
Subscribe to ‘Learn Irish’ on Youtube
Given that we spend so much of our daily screen time on YouTube, wouldn't it make sense for us to transfer our learning to this platform?
Creating a sustainable learning plan requires us to integrate our approach into our everyday lives. Our learning shouldn't stop the moment we leave the classroom or put our homework away!
This known platform for sharing videos has turned into a spot for language lovers providing a variety of channels focused on educating and celebrating the fascinating Irish language.
Use YouTube guides and notes to tackle higher-level questions and comparative essays on topics like poetry, biology, and economics. Engage with YouTube videos for tips on everything from chemistry to "The Great Gatsby."
YouTube is a haven of information for the Leaving Cert Irish exam. Different channels offer notes, essay writing tips, and thematic guides that cover a wide array of topics, from short stories to comparative questions. Whether it's English literature, maths problems, or chemistry lab work, these videos provide invaluable answers and study hacks to help you excel.
Among the standout channels is 'Learn Irish,' which has amassed a following of 34,000 subscribers!
' Learn Irish' accommodates learners at every stage, covering everything from vocabulary and grammar teachings to conversations and tips on pronunciation.
Learning Irish from TikTok
Preparing for the Leaving Cert Irish exam involves mastering essay writing and understanding various themes and topics. From higher-level essays to comparative questions, crafting great notes is essential. Use sample papers and guides to practice. Engage with videos and short explanations on TikTok to get tips on English, biology, chemistry, maths, and even economics.
In today's digital age, TikTok has emerged as an unexpected yet powerful platform for language learning, including the captivating Irish language.
This wildly popular social media app offers a treasure trove of content created by native speakers, helping you to expand your Irish vocabulary from the phone in your pocket.
The bite-sized videos that that platform is so famous for make your learning far easier to digest than if you were sitting in a double Irish class at school
TikTok offers a range of content, including skits, conversations, informative videos, and cultural perspectives, designed to suit learners at any stage.
TikTok can be a surprising yet effective platform for gathering note-worthy pointers for the Leaving Cert Irish exam. From essay tips to study guides, TikTok stars offer quick, engaging videos that break down complex themes, whether it's a cultural story, poetry analysis, or a comparative question on "The Great Gatsby." With the right keywords, these videos can provide valuable insights and study hacks to boost your preparation.
Whether you're just starting out or looking to really enhance your conversational skills in the Irish language, the platform's user-created videos can spice up your learning journey.
Keep Testing your Knowledge on Duolingo
Duolingo is an American app and website with a selection of 36 languages to learn, which includes Irish. The app and website are accessible to people all over the world.
It is tailored to the various age groups and different abilities of the Irish language.
It starts with the most basic levels of Irish and goes up to more complex levels. You will begin to learn Irish greetings and basic phrases, along with the names of animals and food. It then advances to vocabulary based on politics, science, and business.
If you are not a beginner in Irish but simply want to expand your vocabulary, you can test yourself and advance to further levels. Duolingo gives you a proper foundation in the Irish language.
It helps with your written, oral and listening of Irish because there are exercises where you say Irish words and write down the Irish words you hear. These are all areas assessed in the Junior Cert and Leaving Cert Irish exams
Duolingo is also a free app that is easy to download, as it is available on iOS and Android devices!
You can also use the website version if you are using a public computer and complete the modules in your spare time. The modules cover many topics useful to the Leaving Cert, such as tenses, questions, education, sport, and travel.
Enroll now to enhance your proficiency with online Irish courses. Our dedicated tutors ensure focused learning in a one-on-one online setting.
Accelerate your Learning with a Tutor from Superprof
In order to fully tap into the potential of learning Irish, you might want to combine the tools mentioned with guidance from one of Superprof's Irish language instructors. A tutor can offer support, cater to your learning requirements, and provide the motivation and accountability needed to reach your language learning objectives.
With the aforementioned resources at your disposal and the assistance of a tutor, there's no better time than now to embark on your journey of learning Irish. Whether you're driven by heritage, academic pursuits or personal development delving into the realm of mastering Irish is sure to be a fulfilling endeavor.
Engaging with a tutor from Superprof to prepare for your Leaving Cert Irish exam can transform your approach to study notes, ensuring they are not just comprehensive but exam-oriented.
These seasoned educators, known for their unparalleled expertise, guide students through the labyrinth of preparing notes that are not just great but stellar, ensuring every essay, from poetry to cultural analysis, resonates with the examiners. Their method involves a blend of traditional and innovative techniques, from dissecting sample papers to leveraging digital platforms for interactive learning sessions.
By focusing on a wide array of topics, including economics, Spanish, and even the nuances of English literature, Superprof tutors ensure that students are equipped to tackle any question, comparative or direct. Their strategy includes breaking down complex themes, like those found in "The Great Gatsby" or the intricate equations of maths, into understandable segments, making the study process less daunting.
They also emphasise the importance of tailoring notes to fit the individual's learning style, whether through visual aids, lab-like experiments, or storytelling techniques. This personalised approach not only aids in memorising vast amounts of information but also in understanding and applying it effectively.
In essence, Superprof tutors are the guiding stars in the vast sky of Leaving Cert preparation, offering predictions on potential exam questions, showcasing how to structure answers for higher marks, and instilling confidence in students. Their support ensures that when students pen down their essays or solve complex problems, they do so with clarity, precision, and a depth of knowledge that is sure to impress any examiner.
There are many Superprof tutors with different teaching styles, so people can find the one that suits them. You can even meet your Superprof tutor virtually, or they can meet you in person.
Also, tutors are available to prepare you for the Leaving Cert Irish exam, and other tutors can teach you Irish as a language if you desire to learn it for yourself rather than for examination purposes. Superprof helps with all aspects of your Irish – oral, written and aural!
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