New FREE Irish learning resource for beginners

New learning resource for beginners – conversational Irish in the workplace 

Le tacaíocht ó Foras na Gaeilge agus Bláthú

Newry Branch Comhaltas Uladh has just published an introductory package of basic, business-related Irish language learning material that is pitched at staff and customers in workplace settings.  It is appropriately called ‘Déanfaidh sin an Gnó’ (That will do the Business). Hopefully the package will encourage interest in Irish ahead of any anticipated recommendations to be made under the Identity and Language (Northern Ireland) Act 2022 as they might relate to larger organisations, especially in the public and service sectors. 

The learning materials are arranged in ten units and are based on short, adaptable scripts. They are accompanied by sets of vocabulary, answer keys and some additional reference points.   Audio files are also available. These taster, bite-sized lessons can be used for self-study or group-study and they focus on every-day, authentic conversations that can occur in various customer-facing environments, including e-mail.  The objective is that learners gain the confidence and skill to communicate in simple Irish within a working milieu or in typical social interactions. 

The package is simply a dip-one’s-toe-into resource though it is envisaged that it will be augmented later in the year by additional scripts.  Part One will be available free of charge on the popular social media site Newry.ie and a booklet of the scripts will be published in the near future for those who prefer using a hard copy.  Free copies of the printed booklets will be sponsored by Comhaltas Uladh who will be celebrating the centenary of the launch of their seminal magazine “An tUltach” in the Autumn. 

Newry Branch Comhaltas Uladh, a small voluntary group, are not best placed to produce or promote such an introductory resource though they are keen to take the initiative in exciting a positive awareness of the Identity and Language Act.  Their ‘Déanfaidh sin an Gnó’ is a cottage-industry style product that will complement the Branch’s very popular ‘Faigh Fáinne – Caith Fáinne’ booklet.  The two resources involve minimal expenditure other than that of the time invested by the learners – time very well spent if those new to Irish can be encouraged to continue with their fascinating language journey. The new resource of course can double up as an extra asset for teachers who have Absolute Beginners’ evening classes. Contact gaelarasmhicardghail@gmail.com for further information.

COURSE CONTENT

Pacáiste bunúsach Gaeilge agus Gnó

Package of basic business-related Irish-language learning material for workers and customers

Ábhar féinstaidéir agus don staidéar i ngrúpaí 

Material for self-study and group study

The package includes: 

• 10 learning units based on short, adaptable scripts
• 10 sets of vocabulary for phone and workplace interactions
• An answer key and reference material
• Audio files

Each unit includes:

1. A conversation script which forms the basis for the unit.
2. Reference material including vocabulary and useful structures based on the script.
3. Language notes focusing on an aspect of the script.
4. Self-directed learning activities based on the script for individual learners or class environments.
5. Sample interactive group activities based on the script for use in classes and informally.

Other material:

Following each of the ten units are additional useful phrases. The material in the additional units could be useful in typical work-related telephone conversations and in customer-facing environments, including email.

Clár

Bunús / Rationale

Is é is cuspóir dúinn leis an phacáiste seo faill a thabhairt do dhaoine atá ag foghlaim na Gaeilge taithí a fháil ar an chumarsáid ar bhealaí praiticiúla. 

Our objective in this package is to give people learning Irish the opportunity to gain practical experience of communication.

Ní cúrsa iomlán Gaeilge é seo. Áis atá ann le hidirghníomhaíocht a spreagadh i ngrúpaí agus le cur chuige gníomhach a spreagadh i measc daoine atá ag foghlaim sa bhaile.

This is not a complete Irish-language course. It is a resource to encourage interaction in groups and to encourage people learning at home to adopt an active approach to learning.

Is mian linn muinín foghlaimeoirí a fhorbairt agus bealaí simplí a mholadh le go mbeidh daoine ábalta cumarsáid a dhéanamh sa teanga.

Our aim is to foster confidence in those learning the language and to suggest easy ways to communicate in simple Irish at work/in social interactions.