Learning Irish as an adult

Hey guys,

I've been messing around trying to learn Irish for the last few years and now am ready to really give it a go. The issue is that I didn't do Irish in school, so unlike most Irish people, I really am a complete beginner. I know a few words but wouldn't be able to understand much of a conversation or read much of a text at all.

I live in London now and went to an Irish conversation group - they were all lovely but I felt like I was holding everyone back. There were people who had said they didn't speak any Irish, but they did. I think people underestimate how much has stuck with them from school. I wouldn't even be able to look at a word and pronounce it, for example. I was the only 'foreigner' there (I'm Irish but spent a lot of childhood in the UK and my parents don't speak Irish at all). So this kind of conversation group doesn't really work for complete beginners.

So...any idea where to start? I'm more of an audiovisual learner, so have been watching Youtube videos in Irish with Irish or English subtitles and taking down words. The grammar looks like serious hard work...where do I start with that? Are there any online communities where you can chat on Skype etc in Irish?

And finally, is it even possible for me to reach any sort of conversational level? I'm already 28 and I feel miles behind those who learned it at school.

uch

Izzy I had no Irish until my early thirties as I was exempt in school due to Dyslexia, I started off with audio books then did a class in my daughters primary school, at this stage your average 6 year old had more Irish than me, and while I was embarrest I persevered. I kept up the classes and made progress. I never gave up and obtained a diploma in Irish when I was 40. The funny thing is I still can't spell feck all, but I knew this was always going to be an issue and just accepted it. I have a reasonable level of spoken Irish fluency and just embrace what I can. I now have the benefit of my daughter being fluent and helping me out with spelling and the like, so things are looking up. Basically what I'm saying is just because you are starting at a basic level won't stop you if you are enthusiastic about it.
As regards recommendations, you can't go too far wrong with the Búntús Cainte books and CD's, they are a tenner per edition (3 book & CD's) and while the content is a bit dated, the structure is perfect.

teileann

If you register with Philo-celtic society, they send out lessons every week and you will get support. Starts at complete basic. Free. Volunteers prepare the classes.
http://www.philo-celtic.com/membership.html
You have to agree with the goals of society.
After joining you will be sent a list of classes and you can start with the complete beginners one.
Adh mór.

Derrindaffderg

uch wrote: »

As regards recommendations, you can't go too far wrong with the Búntús Cainte books and CD's, they are a tenner per edition (3 book & CD's) and while the content is a bit dated, the structure is perfect.

Nail on head! I have the CD on in the car constantly. Búntás Cainte has been my saviour when I felt like giving up.

Beir bua. Gaeilge abú!

davwain

I agree that learning a language is useful. I have picked up 3 languages (all Romance ones), 2 of which I took university courses in. I admit that learning any language, be it Irish or another, is useful, at any age.