Originally drafted with the support of Sabhal Mòr Ostaig and Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Taigh Chearsabhagh is now in the process of reviewing and updating its Gaelic Language Plan. We aim to relaunch this document in early 2022.
Taigh Chearsabhagh is committed to promoting the Gaelic language through its programming and outreach activities. It can be challenging to create appropriate bilingual interpretation which provides equitable access to the language. People have widely varying degrees of facility in Gaelic. Many speak the language fluently but cannot read or write Gaelic confidently.
Having created an online facility for users to engage with Gaelic content, we plan to embed sound in the website, enabling the language to be heard alongside a basic translation. The Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath has a rich storehouse of recorded material which will feature in this special audio online project. To hear the language spoken in a native tongue adds immense texture and depth to the sense and meaning of words.
Gaelic is a fundamental element of the life and identity of North Uist and the Outer Hebrides. We strongly encourage people to listen to, learn about and experience the sounds of the language and through this gain a greater understanding and appreciation of the intangible culture of these islands.
As Dòmhnall Ruadh Choruna tells us in his poem D’on Ghàidhlig / For Gaelic:
An uair nì craobh na Gàidhlig
Tighinn am bàrr gun chall,
Bidh gach àit’ tha fàs
Loma-làn le clann;
Cha bhi port gun bhàt’ ann,
Cha bhi bàgh gun bhall,
Muileann is sloc sàbhaidh
‘S each an sàs an crann.
When the Gaelic tree
flourishes again,
every corner now desolate
will be teeming with children,
every harbour will have its boat,
every bay its mooring;
there will be mills, sawing platforms
and horses at the ploughing.
