We spoke to Manchán Magan about his involvement in Scoil Scairte, in which adults are not only learning Irish but connecting with the vibrancy, context and culture of the language.
Why did you get involved with this project, An Scoil Scairte?
I realised a long time ago that when people go to learn a language or relearn a language, they're often held back by their own mental baggage around their previous efforts. An Scoil Scairte is so much more than words, vocabulary and grammar, it is a profound look at the vibrant work being done in the Irish language by creatives. Some of those attending might know very little about the Gaeltacht and its people and we illustrate the importance of its existence in Ireland.
You mentioned creatives using Irish more and more, is that something you have seen in your work?
Absolutely. Only recently, I was invited into Trinity College to talk to the students of the Drama Society about the Irish language and that was a first, but these young people in their early twenties are interested and searching out more about the language and how they can use it in their work.
It used to be the same faces all the time but thankfully it's changing now and we are starting to see glimpses of new artists using the language in their art. I am a huge fan of Clare Sands who is on her own journey with the language and bringing us all along with her in her music and videos. Choreographer and dancer Michael Keegan Dolan has brought elements of the language and traditional music into his practice too, it's incredible.
I look on Instagram and I see a whole host of burgeoning artists who are just beginning to use the language, I think we are only at the beginning.
For those of whom who are interested in learning Irish but are apprehensive, where do you suggest they start?
Well, at some point RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta comes into it, for the sheer range of dialects and words from different parts of the country, it is the source, but maybe not the first step for everyone.
I think DuoLingo is a good start but try to get out and meet people who gather together to use the language, like your local Ciorcal Comhrá. Attending and trying to use as much of the language as you can is exhausting, humiliating but ultimately, the only way to learn.
Scoil Scairte is our offering - a 9 week immersion in Irish cultural heritage that weaves language, place, identity and wellbeing.
Scoil Scairte begins on 6th October, for more information and booking see www.thetrailblazery.com
