The status of Gaelic in the Scottish education system

[AlexderFranke]

After Scotsgait has critized my frist poll, I have decided to make a new poll with less options to tick.

I think it is time to give Gaelic compulsory status at schools in the Western Isles and Highland council areas. In the Western Isles, Gaelic medium education ought to be the general way of schooling.

Suas leis a´Gàidhlig

Alex

[tig]

theres not a simple "yes" answer tho.

so i couldnt vote on then introducing all over the country at the same time.....even if it didnt start in the western isles

and shouldnt the question be "should teaching Gaelic be compulsory in Scottish schools"....yes/no
and i dont think the rest of Scotland should have a say in what happens in island and highland schools

[AlexderFranke]

The sidesentence "after having begun in the Western Isles and Highlands" is aimed at explaining the putting into practice because many users might think that compulsory Gaelic all over Scotland is not possible to act upon anyway. I myself doubt if teaching Gaelic to every pupil in Scotland could be organized within short time. In the Western Isles and Highlands however, it would be possible. At the same time, one could work step by step towards teaching Gaelic to every pupil in Scotland.

But there are well reasons that argue for compulsory Gaelic only in the Western Isles and Highlands. In Lowland areas, the opposition on the anouncement to make Gaelic compulsory at school might become that strong that it in the end it could not be put into practice.

Alex

[tig]

i know what your saying but it would still mean people from outside the isles having a say on the education they receive .....which could never...
that would purely be up to the people from the area,
and because of that i couldnt vote on your poll and neither could anyone not from the isles n highlands really.

thus your poll would only be valid if done solely in that area.

[JCfromGA]

I know some of the schools on Lewis do have mandatory Gaelic instruction classes... I guess someone is trying to equate this to Ireland and their requirement that everyone be taught Irish in school... ??

[AlexderFranke]

I think indeed other areas with weak indigenous languages ought to follow the Irish example in order not to let them being forgotten. However, the mistakes in the way of teaching which they sometimes make and made in Ireland, ought not to be taken up.

As it seems the rules for education are set by the Scottish Gouvernment with the councils caring for the schooling in their areas. Due to the cultural and historical backgrounds, the decision about compulsory Gaelic ought to be let to the council gouvernments, unless lots of Scottish citizens urge the Scottish gouvernment to make Gaelic compulsory at school in the whole country.

Alex

[JCfromGA]

Yeah, I see the benefit of saving the language but for many people of Scotland and their ancestors, Gaelic was not a part of their lives or culture. I would love to see attempts made to protect it... or they'll have to come to university here in the States to learn it