Scottish Gaelic Workshop
Saturdays, 2:00 - 3:30 p.m.
October 4, 2008* (meet in the Undercroft)
October 18, 2008
November 1, 2008* (meet in the Undercroft)
November 15, 2008
December 6, 2008
December 20, 2008
Meeting will take place in Heritage Hall at the Scottish Home except as noted
2800 Des Plaines Avenue
North Riverside, IL 60546

The Gaelic language is the oldest extant language in Europe and is also one of the most expressive languages worldwide.  Gaelic may not have the technological terms and modern lingo that pervades most modern languages but languages evolve and are a living part of our heritage. We are who we are in large part because of the language we speak. Each language gives us a unique perspective on life. Happily, despite decades if not centuries of neglect, the link between the Scottish and Irish Gaeltachds is blossoming through such initiatives as Proiseact Colm Cille and through the auspices of the Gaelic College, Sabhal Mor Ostaig (SMO) in the Island of Skye.

Cultural and educational exchanges between Scotland and Ireland are spawning a renaissance in Gaelic music, theater and literature that is truly uplifting. For Gaelic to grow as a living language, the communities that speak it must be nurtured economically. Interestingly, the Western Isles (the Gaelic Heartland) is rapidly becoming a haven for burnt out city dwellers (Glasgow, London, New York), as featured recently on NPR. These and other key economic developments in West Highland demographics and economy makes it more important than ever that efforts are made to nurture and entrench the Gaelic language in the fabric of Scottish society and among friends of Scotland world-wide. The tide is certainly flowing in favor of the language; the Scottish Parliament recently legislated to give the Gaelic language equal status with English!

By learning Gaelic, you are not only reaching out to understand a historically valuable language that may allow you to better interpret your own personal genealogy, you are also contributing to the survival and growth of this most beautiful of languages, Scottish Gaelic.

Contact:  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it , 630-668-3429