Conversation required to expand Gaelic language lessons

Feedback from advanced students learning Gaelic through the Ulpan method in the Highlands is showing that more Internet-based back-up support and structured conversation sessions are needed to advance their language skills.

This information was presented to members of The Highland Council’s Gaelic committee today (18 February) by David Grant, Director of Deiseal Ltd. and the Council’s Community Learning and Development Officer Margaret Mulholland.

The Ulpan method of teaching Scottish Gaelic is based on the Welsh and Israeli model of language learning and was developed by Deiseal with support from Bòrd na Gàidhlig in 2007.

In a report to the Gaelic Committee Margaret Mulholland outlined the ways in which Highland Council is supporting adult learning of Gaelic through the Ulpan method either through direct provision or partnership provision of classes.

In Inverness the Council first provided Ulpan classes in September 2007 and these classes are now run in partnership with Inverness College for over 90 students. The Council has run other Ulpan classes in Dingwall, Aviemore, Skye (Portree and Bradford) and support has been given Iomairt Lochaber to train new tutors for the West Lochaber Area in conjunction with Lochaber College and to establish new classes in Fort William, Invergarry, Ballachulish, Roybridge and Acharacle.

Two pilot classes, run as a pilot in Inverness for Highland Council staff have been extended for a further 20 weeks.

Councillor Hamish Fraser said: “I welcome the excellent work that Ulpan has delivered so far in providing Gaelic learning opportunities for adults throughout the Highlands. To expand Ulpan provision further we need to promote tutor recruitment, increase tutor training opportunities and encourage more Gaelic speakers to come forward as tutors of the future.”