Hi from America

[ANDY-J3]

I freely admit that I dislike America. Corporate America in particular is the embodiment of greed and moral depravity and American values stink. As regards individual Americans however I've never met any who I didn't like.

[Duthill]

Originally Posted by MichelleLena

Are there any Scotsman out there who knows Gaelic, and could help a lass from America learn Gaelic?
MichelleLena

MichelleLena ,
check this out , they may be able to point you in the right direction .
As you can see , the language is alive and well .

Gaelic Medium Education
You’ll find Gaelic-medium education in 63 primary schools (2008-09 session), including the Glasgow and Inverness Gaelic Schools. There’s also more and more education in Gaelic at pre-school, in secondary schools and in further education.
Parentzone - Choosing a school - Gaelic medium education

[MichelleLena]

I will look into the books, thank you. America does suck most of the time. Values and morals are almost exstinct. But you can't judge all American's by the greed and corruption of gov. and business's that thrive off of others hard work and take the credit that doesn't belong to them. I was in the US Army and I have seen the worst of some country's people and the very best. I am a women that holds judgement of others until I see the good or bad in them. I am going to Scotland to find distant family members. If I don't then maybe I can find friends who will fill this hole in my heart. But I see that it's going to be a very hard task.

[Crofter]

MichelleLena,

I entered “Scottish Gaelic” in Google Search and it came up with about 129,000 search results. Here are a few useful ones to start you off:

Scottish Gaelic language, alphabet and pronunciation
Scottish Gaelic learners' materials online
Scottish Gaelic Phrases
Scotland FAQ - Scots Gaelic information

There is a Gaelic College on the Isle of Skye. Useful information and details on courses can be got from there at the following address:

Sabhal Mòr Ostaig
Sleat
Isle of Skye
IV44 8RQ

Tel: 01471 888304
Email: iarrtas@smo.uhi.ac.uk

There is also a Gaelic TV Channel and several radio channels. Celticradio.net is an internet radio service that has all sorts of links with Gaelic music, culture etc.

It is estimated that there are about 60,000 Gaelic speakers in the Western Isles and Western Highlands of Scotland. There are also some speakers scattered all over the world whose parents or ancestors hail originally from those places where the language was in common use, and who took the trouble to keep the language alive within their families. There are also numerous Gaelic Societies in Canada and the United States.

As for myself, I am a Gaelic speaker, born and raised in the Western Isles of Scotland. I agree with Scotty that the few who chase each other around this forum pronouncing on every subject under the sun, usually erroneously, do not represent the vast majority of Scots.

Auld Chiel’s comments are not only false, they are insulting. He is not Scottish, as far as I can tell he is an embittered American with no links to Scotland at all. His disillusionment with his own country has resulted in his spreading bile on this forum in the vain hope of causing others to be disillusioned with Scotland.

You will notice from reading the posts that those people regularly make that they do not deserve to be taken seriously. Your interest in Scotland and in the Gaelic language is to be admired and don’t you let anything they have to say put you off.

You cannot be held responsible for the state of Corporate America or the antics of members of your government. The liars, crooks, perverts, thieves and murderers who represent us here in Scotland, in London, and in the European Union, are not exactly good examples of moral rectitude.

As an ex-member of your country’s armed forces may I say that your service is appreciated on this side of the Atlantic by the vast majority, as is that of our own service men and women. You can rest assured that, contrary to what some on this site may say, you will have a hundred thousand warm welcomes when, or if, you come to Scotland.

Regards,

Crofter.

[scotty6405]

Originally Posted by MichelleLena

I will look into the books, thank you. America does suck most of the time. Values and morals are almost exstinct. But you can't judge all American's by the greed and corruption of gov. and business's that thrive off of others hard work and take the credit that doesn't belong to them. I was in the US Army and I have seen the worst of some country's people and the very best. I am a women that holds judgement of others until I see the good or bad in them. I am going to Scotland to find distant family members. If I don't then maybe I can find friends who will fill this hole in my heart. But I see that it's going to be a very hard task.

You and a few other posters should speak for yourselves and not categorize the American people as valueless and without morals. It makes me laugh to think only American companies are greedy and this trait does not exist in the Royal Bank, UK Companies and the rest of the European Union. Let's not even mention China, Russia, etc. As usual with AMerica no one is leaving and many want in. One of the same problems the UK faces. Perhaps you like the greedy drug dealers in Central and South America.

[MichelleLena]

Scotty6405,
I do speak for myself!! I have lived in America most of my life. It's bull to say America has values and morals as strongly as it use to. We have highest divorce rate, adultry, sex crimes and crimes. It's an act of GOD to see a married coulpe stay together longer than 4 or 5 years. Men and Women get borde and they stray. Sex sells and almost naked is a style. I don't like drug dealers and I feel insulted you would say such a thing. I have lived my live with honor and courage. It's FACT that every country has problems, Ive been to a country at war with it's self and another. As to morals and values.... A man doesn't want anything to do with you if your not 5'10 and supermodel quality. The more beautiful the man, the more beautiful the women needs to be.. Oh and don't forget the women need to open their own door, we don't need a thank you and You can spill your seed into anyone you like because we don't own men. This is unbelievable, I joined this site to get to know the people of Scotland and their history, not argue with an American about how much better our country is than Scotland. IT'S NOT TRUE!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[scotty6405]

My only comment is you can not judge a whole country by your own personal experiences. I have been married for 27 years, some of my friends are divorced, others have been married longer. My reference to international companies located all over the world along with greedy drug dealers are not unique to America. Do you think Scotland has no alcohol, divorce or drug problems? Perhaps a trip there might enlighten you.

By the way Divorce Rate in USA 45% at least better than the Swede's 54%. UK about the same 43%
On the Alcohol the Brits definitely outdrink us by over 30%