You've finished school and you're ready for the next chapter, whatever it might be. Whether you're going to do an apprenticeship or you're going to University or taking a gap year, if you don't use the Gaeilge you have, you lose it.
It doesn't matter how much Gaeilge you have now (and you probably have more than you think), there's always a way to retain what you have or even learn more Gaeilge outside of the traditional classroom environment.
Is cuma más cainteoir dúchais Gaeilge thú nó más duine a shíleann nach bhfuil acu ach cúpla focal, mura bhfuil muid an Ghaeilge atá againn in úsáid againn, sleamhnaíonn sí uainn, diaidh ar ndiaidh. Seo cúpla bealach le cinntiú go gcoinníonn tú gréim ar an nGaeilge.
Use Irish with the State
Is teanga í an Ghaeilge atá timpeall orainn an t-am ar fad in Éirinn ach nach dtugann muid aird uirthi i gcónaí. The Irish language is everywhere in Ireland, but we are so used to it, we often don't pay it much attention. You have a right to use the Irish language with the state if you wish to do so. For example, if you're learning to drive, you have a right to sit the test as Gaeilge, or if you're sorting your tax out, you can do that in Irish too. Don't be afraid to ask for these services you're entitled to.
Ceol/ Podcasts/ Radio
Yes, you may have come across a gang of rappers from West Belfast and Derry in recent years, Kneecap have indeed changed the game. Tá ceol na hÉireann anois á athshamhlú ag ceoltóirí comhaimseartha ár linne agus iad cumadh ceoil i nGaeilge go minic. There are lots more musicians whose music is either bilingual or totally as Gaeilge. Check out Séamus Barra Ó Súilleabháin, IMLÉ for example.
If you're looking for a bilingual podcast, the How to Gael gals have you covered with craic agus scéalta for days. RTÉ Raidió na Gaeltachta's Pé Scéal É is a perfect mix of fun and interesting topics if that's your vibe.
On your FYP
Flood your feed or your FYP with influencers who use their Gaeilge. Let the algorithm know that you're enjoying content as Gaeilge so it can serve you some more. We love Lauren Whelan's GRWM's as Gaeilge! Here she is talking on RTÉ's Upfront with Katie Hannon about why she does what she does. Is breá linn ábhar Éadaoin Fitzmaurice freisin a cheanglaíonn an Ghaeilge lena grá d'áilleacht na tíre seo.
Duolingo/ Classes
If you'd like to learn more Gaeilge than you already have, classes are the way to go. Starting on DuoLingo is a great way to see where you're at before signing up for more formal education. Tabhair an deis is fearr duit féin agus cláraigh le haghaidh ranganna nó ciorcal comhrá fiú. Conradh na Gaeilge agus Gaelchultúr run classes for learners of all levels and can help you choose whichever level is right for you.
Community/ Clubs
Getting a gang together who use their Gaeilge makes life a lot easier. Tosaigh grúpa ar Whatsapp and get the voice messages going as Gaeilge. Try your best to get the gang out of the group and into real life! Your local library might have a ciorcal comhrá, you can join for free and meet all sorts of new people there.
Ná déan dearmad gur linn ar fad an Ghaeilge agus gur féidir filleadh uirthi aon am.
