How Do You Learn The Irish Language?
The most effective way to learn another language, including Irish, is through immersion–an extended amount of time spent in the home country, among the people and in the culture. One of the difficulties with the Irish language, also called Gaelige or Gaelic, is that it is a minority language, even in Ireland. While many Irish citizens have some knowledge of Gaelic, common use is concentrated in the west of Ireland The good news is that learning the Irish language can be accomplished by staying closer to home. Has fluency been a life-long dream or goal based on Irish heritage? Is there a plan for a lengthy stay or retirement in the west of Ireland? Ask yourself whether survival words and phrases (“Can you help me?” “Where are the restrooms?” “Please.” “Thank You”) and being able to read a restaurant menu and signs be adequate for a short-term vacation or business trip. Options for fluency courses in Irish will be harder to find than a language such as Spanish. A good place to begin is
