Gaelic-taught children in class of their own

[SeamusAlba]

Published Date: 17 November 2010
By FIONA MACLEOD
EDUCATION CORRESPONDENT
Pupils taught in Gaelic perform better than their English-taught peers when reading and writing in English, a study has found.
Academics at Edinburgh University also found Gaelic-taught pupils performed just as well in science and maths, demonstrating they were not disadvantaged by learning in another language.

Supporters of the language said the report underlined the value of schooling in Gaelic and described it as "imperative" that it continues.

The study found that by primary five, children taught in Gaelic were on an equal footing with their peers in key subjects - a finding consistent with previous research on the topic.

The study also investigated why parents choose a Gaelic- speaking school and found many were encouraged by the educational gain and valued the language as part of their cultural identity.

Alasdair Cameron, convener of the Gaelic parents' association Comann nam Pàrant, said: "These findings underline the value of Gaelic Medium Education and reinforce the importance of continuing and expanding Gaelic education in Edinburgh and the Lothians.

"It is imperative that this important educational opportunity continues to be available to all pupils' families."

The report will be launched today at a conference on the topic in Edinburgh.

Education secretary Michael Russell, a prominent supporter of the language, said the Scottish Government was committed to supporting Gaelic education.

He said: "Gaelic Medium Education is a key part of our drive to create a new generation of Gaelic speakers and ensure the language thrives.

"It is also an important and increasingly popular choice for many parents across Scotland."

The conference will explore how teaching children in Gaelic could play a key role in reversing the decline of the language.

A key topic will also be how to overcome challenges of demand and funding.

Keynote presentations will be made by Arthur Cormack, chair of Bòrd na Gàidhlig; Professor Boyd Robertson, principal, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig; and Dr Rob Dunbar, research professor, Soillse, Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, University of the Highlands and Islands.

Edinburgh has the largest Gaelic education unit in the country with only Glasgow's dedicated school, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Glaschu having more pupils.

This year saw the largest ever primary one intake in the history of the Edinburgh unit, at 35 children.


Gaelic-taught children in class of their own - Scotsman.com

[SeamusAlba]

in these times of recession, can we really afford English medium education and monolingualism?

[ScotSites]

Originally Posted by SeamusAlba

in these times of recession, can we really afford English medium education and monolingualism?

Probably not, but then you might find people will choose to learn another European language (Spanish, German, French, etc) as opposed to Gaelic... in fact I seem to recall that, when given a choice, school children on one of the Scottish islands (Islay?) chose something other than Gaelic (maybe I will find the relevant article that could have been in the Scotsman or maybe the Herald!)

[SeamusAlba]

Originally Posted by ScotSites

Probably not, but then you might find people will choose to learn another European language (Spanish, German, French, etc) as opposed to Gaelic... in fact I seem to recall that, when given a choice, school children on one of the Scottish islands (Islay?) chose something other than Gaelic (maybe I will find the relevant article that could have been in the Scotsman or maybe the Herald!)

One of the blockades we will need to overcome is the virtual invisible status our language has in media forms such as video, especially online. We need to make Gaidhlig programming available online, for free. Access to Gaidhlig needs to be free and wide ranging, especially children's programming. We need to boost the available cartoons for instance, as it is our children who will see Gaidhlig truly flourish. We need to disconnect our language from the outdated tartan only image that has become a stigma, Gaidhlig needs to be a language one can participate in fully in the modern world. could we perhaps hold some kind of online contest to get young animators to create a Gaidhlig cartoon? Or we could even create a Gaidhlig animation company? I also would like to see a minority languages of europe coalition, that could collectively create cartoons that could be placed into any of a number of ethnic minority languages, we would focus on wholesome, educational and global appealing content. The same animations could be used, and then the desired minority language voice overs done, this coalition would have larger assets and be able to lend support to each other. Plus if we network with people in the same situation across Europe, we would gain in experience collectively. These are just some ideas I have been thinking on, I welcome all feedback.


Furthermore, its cost more cost effective to maintain a useful language like Gaelic, than encourage people to leave Scotland and use German or Spanish.
Children absorb whats around them. Be that prejudice or inane English broadcasting.

[Lianachan]

Originally Posted by SeamusAlba

We need to boost the available cartoons for instance, as it is our children who will see Gaidhlig truly flourish.

I used to love Donnie Murdo. I share your desire for a more modern, forward looking Gaelic. Apart from anything else, as long as it remains thought of as twee or a thing of the past, it will be easy for non-Gaels to continue to associate it with backwardness, and to perpetuate the derogatory views of the past.

[SeamusAlba]

Originally Posted by Lianachan

I used to love Donnie Murdo. I share your desire for a more modern, forward looking Gaelic. Apart from anything else, as long as it remains thought of as twee or a thing of the past, it will be easy for non-Gaels to continue to associate it with backwardness, and to perpetuate the derogatory views of the past.

thats the key thing to change, twee images and negative associations. If Scots could learn to view Gaelic as a progressive concept and ditch the nonsense from the past, theyd lose their chip and gain academically and culturally from bilingualism.

[Cadbren]

Originally Posted by SeamusAlba

thats the key thing to change, twee images and negative associations. If Scots could learn to view Gaelic as a progressive concept and ditch the nonsense from the past, theyd lose their chip and gain academically and culturally from bilingualism.

What nonsense are you referring to? Also, how does one promote a culture that had its heyday centuries ago if that past is going to be ignored for "progressive" culture?