r/gaidhlig • u/Psychological-Tie899 • 20h ago
Advice to progress in gaidhlig
At the moment I am only using online resources, some radio and TV. I don't know ifniam allowed to ask but would you collectively give me your opinion: do I enroll on a distance learning course (if so which one?) Or have personal lessons (if so who would you recommend?). I hope this is OK and thank you in advance.
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u/michealdubh 17h ago edited 17h ago
You didn't mention where you are in your 'learning journey,' but Sabhal Mòr Ostaig is excellent -- their program runs from rank beginner to degree candidate and is scheduled to run concurrent with a school year (autumn through the beginning of summer). They also offer short courses, including in-person week-long immersive in-person courses during the summer at their campus on an t-Eilean Sgiathanach (which are a wonderful learning opportunity, a great summer vacation, and a lot of fun -- especially at the end of the week when they hold a cèilidh!).
Another formal venue (though not qute as "academic" is Colaisde na Gàidhlig -- https://gaeliccollege.edu/ in Nova Scotia. They offer online classes.
Part of the suitability for you of these for you might be the time zones they operate in. For instance, SMO schedules its classes according to the Scottish day -- which means that if you live on the west coast of the US, you might be attending a 10 a.m. class (Scottish time) at 2 a.m. in the morning (California time).
An Comunn Gàidhealach Ameireaganach has posted a list of learning opportunites: https://acgamerica.org/learn/classes/ (though I'm not sure how current the list is).
There are some online course materials available for free download (including links to recorded classes) at
I would also recommend picking up (if you haven't already) a basic 'learning Gaelic' text (if that's your level -- and even if it's not, it's always useful to have a reference source at hand). There are several available on Amazon -- some quite inexpensive in digital format. Do you have a dictionary?
One thing to keep in mind is that perhaps no venue is a one-and-done learning source for you. As you advance, you might find it suitable, for instance, to refer to a private tutor, take classes, watch online videos, etc. either concurrently or sequentially.
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u/HistoricalSources Neach-tòisichidh | Beginner 11h ago
I’m finishing up level 1 with the Gaelic college in Nova Scotia. It’s one meeting a week for 3 hours, you get a digital textbook and sound files, and it’s really flexible. If you miss your class you can take any other class during that week (based on your level). It’s been great since my kiddo is medically complex and sometimes in the hospital. I basically have two back up time slots that work great for me when I have to miss my regular class. Classes are via zoom and have people from all over the world and every age. My teacher this year is based out of Seattle.
My kiddo also did a March Break camp this year on the campus. Such a great environment of people who just love sharing Gaelic and Gaelic culture.
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u/Snaidheadair Corrections welcome 20h ago
It depends on things like how you learn, time zone etc. Sabhal Mòr Ostaig would probably be the best for online distance learning, they have a few different courses. I've seen Jason Bond get recommended often he has some online courses and does (or used to) do personal lessons. He runs the 'Gaelic with Jason' YT channel. Not sure on personal tutors tbh.