Hi

[Zwalla28]

Hi! I'm Zack, I'm 16, I live in Ontario, and I'm going to learn Gaelic. I've wanted to learn a language for a couple years now, and just recently, with the new year and all, decided to actually do it. I chose Gaelic mostly because I have a Scots friend who wants to learn it, and I figured it'd be very helpful to have a conversation partner along my language-learning journey. That and Gaelic just sounds wonderful.

My friend and I each purchased a copy of the "Teach Yourself Essential Gaelic Dictionary". I also bought "Colloquial Scottish Gaelic" and my friend bought a copy of "Teach Yourself: The Complete Guide To Gaelic".
We've done exceedingly little so far, just practised pronunciation over the past week or so. Speaking of which, do any of you know of some website that has sounds/words recorded that we can listen to and work on?

We're absolute beginners so I'll be perusing the resources linked to on this site, and any tips you might have for us would be welcomed. I think I'll learn a lot here, and look forward to it. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

[GunChleoc]

Practicing the sounds is an excellent start! I recommend the Akerbeltz site or the book Blas na Gàidhlig.

The BBC Site is also an excellent beginner's resource, and you can listen to BBC's Radio nan Gàidheal online. You won't understand anything at first, but it's good to hear the language anyway.

[faoileag]

Fàilte!
Welcome!

Great that you're both starting to learn Gaelic - every single new learner very welcome indeed!

As usual, I recommend Beag air Bheag, the BBC starter course, online with audio and various extras.

If you're interested in serious, systematic learning, ther are distance courses with Sabhal Mòr Ostaig in Scotland and the Atlantic Gaelic Academy in Canada.

Their beginners' courses are pretty demanding so it's good if you've got a bit of a head start.

[Neas Olc]

What part of Ontario? There are lessons available in Toronto if you know where to look.