Celtic 130. Introduction to Scottish Gaelic

Barbara Hillers
Department of Celtic Languages and Literatures
Harvard University

Course Description

An introduction to Scottish Gaelic, integrating grammar study and conversational practice. New grammar and vocabulary are reinforced by regular written homework exercises, and audiovisual materials help students improve their pronunciation and comprehension. A couple of attractive children's books will introduce students to reading simple prose texts. Poetry, folksong, and film serve as an introduction to the vibrant oral and literary tradition of Gaelic Scotland.

Assessment

Reading List

Textbook:

Gàidhlig aig an Oilthigh, Sheila Kidd (textbook developed for Celtic degree program at Glasgow University, used with kind permission of the author).
Can Seo: Gaelic for Beginners, Donald John MacLeod (BBC TV Programme)

Grammar:

Gràmar na Gàidhlig, Michel Byrne (Stòrlann-Acair: Isle of Lewis, 2002).
Supplemented by Scottish Gaelic in Three Months (Hugo's Simplified System), Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh with Iain Mac Aonghuis (first published by Hugo's Language Books, 1997; out of print)

Dictionaries:

Gaelic Dictionary, Boyd Robertson and Ian MacDonald (Teach Yourself, 2004).
Scottish Gaelic, R. W. Renton and J. A. MacDonald (Hippocrene Books; beginners' pocket dictionary).

Additional Dictionaries:

For those intending to take Celtic 131 Intermediate Scottish Gaelic and/or pursue further study, consider purchasing one of the following dictionaries now:
Gaelic English Dictionaries:
The Illustrated Gaelic-English Dictionary, Edward Dwelly (Birlinn: Edinburgh 1993: reprint of 1901-1911 edition).
The Essential Gaelic-English Dictionary, Angus Watson (Birlinn: Edinburgh 2001).
Gaelic-English Dictionary, Colin Mark (Routledge: London & NY 2004).
English-Gaelic Dictionaries:
The Essential English-Gaelic Dictionary, Angus Watson (Birlinn: Edinburgh 2005).

Aids:

Cairtean na Gàidhlig: Gniomhairean (Laminated Gaelic Verb Chart).

Easy Reading:

Uan Eilidh, Kim Lewis (Acair, 1994).
An Croitear, Martin Waddell and Helen Oxenbury (Acair, 2000)
Flòraidh 's na Ròin, Mairi Kidd (Acair, 1997)
Audio tapes for all three texts are available in the language lab in Lamont Library.