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Now that winter has come and the natural world is slowing down, even as people are preparing for the festivals and celebrations at this time of year, it makes sense to break from your studies and think about how far you’ve come, and how far you want to go.
So find a cosy spot next to an tinteán, listen to the crackling of the burning wood and think about your progress so far. There are other weary travellers near you: when you’re ready, join the conversation and leave your responses to the following questions in the comments below.
Where are you on your Irish-learning journey?
What have you achieved in the last year?
What can you do now that you couldn’t a year ago?
What have you learnt about Irish culture this year?
What are you goals for your Irish-learning journey in the next year?
I would consider myself to be a beginner on my Irish-learning journey. I have been a committed student in Duolingo for several years, but cannot speak or write much more than a very basic sentence. The fact that I have faithfully studied Irish every day is encouraging, because I know that I am truly interested in the language, otherwise I would have quit a long time ago. In the coming year I would like to become more confident in my pronunciation and my understanding of the grammar. I’m hopeful that with Bitesize Irish I will have more opportunities to speak the language with others and learn more about the Irish culture.
And we hope we can help you with that, Ellie!
Maith thú as an chéad chéim eile i d’aistear foghlama a ghlacadh – well done for taking the next step in your learning journey.
Hello, fellow travelers! On my Irish-learning journey, I would say that I am now an “advanced beginner.” I definitely know more than a cupla focal. In the last year I have worked my way through half of TÚS MAITH, as well as worked on some of the mini courses. I even made bairín breac for Samhain! I have been listening to Nuacht Mhall, the podcast with news stories read slowly, regularly, and also tune into RTE occasionally. I have a page-a-day perpetual calendar of proverbs as Gaeilge, and I’m noticing that I recognize more and more words in them, as well as grammar constructions. I also can predict pronounciation of words much better than a year ago. Regarding Irish culture, I am more familiar with the names of the counties (I am American and have not yet visited Ireland, so some geography lessons were in order). I also have fallen even more in love with traditional and contemporary Irish music, and have a deeper understanding of the complex relationship that Irish people have with both Gaeilge and Bearla.
My goals for the coming year are:
1. Finish TÚS MAITH
2. Participate in more Beo Starter calls
3. Incorporate the words for colors into my daily life with my kids
4. Attend my local “Lá na Gaeilge” in the spring
Happy Holidays and Happy New Year, everyone!
Maith thú, a Kristen, tá go leor bainte amach agat i mbliana!
Well don, Kristen, you’ve achieved a lot this year!
I think you’re really exemplifying “Gaeilge gach lá” and showing that by just keeping going and spending time with the language, that it comes to you gradually.
And always great to have some specific goals for the year ahead!
Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise duit!