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Dublin City University

Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture

Dublin City University via FutureLearn

Overview

Learn the basics of Irish language

If you’ve always wanted to learn how to speak Irish, this course is the ideal place to start. You’ll master some of the basics of Irish, including greetings, introductions, Irish names, numbers, and other essentials.

By the time you’re finished, you’ll have a deeper understanding of the origins and cultural significance of one of the oldest literary languages in Europe.

Explore the history of the Irish language

Ireland is home to a unique language and a vibrant Gaelic culture.

On this course, you’ll discover how Irish people drew inspiration from nature to create their own unique script and alphabet. You’ll explore the origins of Ogham, and how the Irish alphabet developed.

Engage with Irish culture through language

As well as looking at the basics of the language, you’ll explore Ireland’s rich culture of dance, Gaelic games, music, storytelling and literature. You’ll gain an insight into the language of Ireland and the people who speak it.

You’ll also learn about the Gaeltachtaí – the places in Ireland where or Irish is the main language of communication.

Improve your Irish pronunciation

If you’re hoping to understand the basics of Irish pronunciation, this course gives you the chance to do so. As well as looking at things like Irish blessings and curses, you’ll also delve into some of the naming conventions used in the language.

Bígí linn – join us!

This course is aimed at anyone interested in Irish language, history and culture. If you’ve always wanted to learn Irish, this course gives the ideal starting point, providing context for the language and its origins.

Syllabus

  • Beannachtaí/Greetings
    • Fáilte/Welcome
    • Litreacha/Let's start with letters!
    • Deas bualadh leat/Nice to meet you
    • Ainmneacha/Names
    • Beannachtaí agus Mallachtaí/Blessings and Curses
    • Céard atá foghlamtha agat?/What have you learnt?
  • Cárb as tú?/Where are you from?
    • Fáilte/Welcome
    • Lámh Chúnta/A Helping Hand
    • Cárb as duit?/Where do you come from?
    • An Teach/The House
    • Éire/Ireland
    • Céard atá foghlamtha agat?/What have you learnt?
  • An Teach agus An Teaghlach/The House and The Family
    • Fáilte/Welcome
    • An Teaghlach/The Family
    • Áiseanna/Amentities
    • Treoracha/Directions
    • Céard atá foghlamtha agat?/What have you learnt?
  • Spórt, Caitheamh Aimsire & Ceol/Sport, Hobbies & Music
    • Fáilte/Welcome
    • Caitheamh Aimsire/Pastimes
    • Ceol/Music
    • Spórt/Sport
    • Súil siar ar an tSeachtain/Review of the Week

Taught by

Ciarán MacMurchaidh

Reviews

4.0 rating, based on 1 Class Central review

4.8 rating at FutureLearn based on 258 ratings

Start your review of Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture

  • Profile image for Sally Mahoney
    Sally Mahoney
    I spent about 3 hours a week, but would have needed much more to really learn the beginnings of the Irish language. This is a good introductory language class giving information on grammar and vocabulary.
    There was minimal information on Irish culture. The class is the beginning of a series.

    For students with real motivation to learn the language this is a good beginning.

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