Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture
Get an introduction to Ireland’s culture by learning the basics of the Irish language.
- Duration4 weeks
- Weekly study4 hours
- 100% onlineTry this course for free
Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture
Engage with Irish culture and history through language
Ireland is home to a unique language and a vibrant Gaelic culture.
On this course, you’ll discover how Irish people drew inspiration from nature to create their own unique script and alphabet.
You’ll explore Ireland’s rich culture of dance, Gaelic games, music, storytelling and literature. And you’ll gain an insight into the language of Ireland and the people who speak it.
So take the first step on your journey to learn one of the oldest literary languages in Europe.
Bígí linn – join us!
What topics will you cover?
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Introduction to the Irish language
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Ogham and the first writing in Irish
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The alphabet & pronunciation
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Greetings, blessings and curses
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Irish names and mythology
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Me, my family and where I come from
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An overview of the Gaeltachtaí and other cultural places in Ireland
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Numbers and counting
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The home and social life
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Amenities, directions and Gaelic sport
When would you like to start?
Start straight away and learn at your own pace. If the course hasn’t started yet you’ll see the future date listed below.
Available now
What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you‘ll be able to...
- Engage with the Irish language through culture
- Explore the beginnings of the written language through learning about OGHAM and the origins of the Irish alphabet
- Discuss greetings, blessings and curses in the Irish language
- Discuss where you and your people come from
- Describe your family, your home and your interests
- Compare Irish names and gain an understanding of naming conventions in Irish
- Explore the cultural association of the language with mythology, sport and music
- Identify the Gaeltachtaí or Irish speaking areas where Irish is the main language of communication
Who is the course for?
This course is aimed at anyone interested in Irish language, history and culture.
Who will you learn with?
Ollamh le Gaeilge in DCU. Eochair do chultúr agus d’oidhreacht na tíre í an Ghaeilge, dar liom. Professor of Irish in DCU. I believe that Irish is a key to the culture and heritage of Ireland.
Associate Professor and Senior Researcher in Dublin City University. Head of the Ideas Lab in the National Institute for Digital Learning@DCU - @1MNGM
I am a designer and doctoral candidate working to better understand the motivations and self-concepts of those learning Irish. I enjoy helping learners explore both these themes and our language.
I am an educator, senior project manager & lecture through Irish in Dublin City University. I enjoy helping learners, learn online, speak Irish & discover the rich culture woven through the language.
Who developed the course?
Dublin City University
Dublin City University is a young, dynamic and ambitious Irish university with a distinctive mission to transform lives and societies through education, research and innovation.
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- Access to this course for 6 weeks
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- The flexibility to complete your choice of short courses in your own time within the year
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