Scottish Gaelic: Explained

Whilst you’re in Scotland it’s hard not to notice the ancient Gaelic language weaved into everyday life around you and the fascinating culture that stems from it. Gaelic dates back centuries and actually came across the water from Ireland in roughly the 6th century AD, quickly spreading across towns and cities Scotland-wide to later become the mother tongue of the medieval Kingdom of Alba.

There are hundreds of Scottish place names that carry origins from the Gaelic language. Dundee in the east of Scotland, for example, takes its name from the Gaelic Dùn Dè meaning Tay Fort, and as the city sits on the banks of the River Tay, it’s a very fitting name. Similarly, on the shores of Loch Leven in the Highlands, the village of Ballachulish in Gaelic is Baile a’ Chaolais which translates into ‘the village by the narrows’, and, geographically speaking, this describes the location of Ballachulish perfectly.

Historically speaking, Gaelic is closely linked with a variety of other Celtic languages, including Welsh, Cornish, Breton, Irish Gaelic and Manx Gaelic, but the cultural element of these languages is what made a lasting impression on the country. There was a range of factors which influenced the suppression of Gaelic over the centuries, such as the Highland Clearances, religious changes, population immigration and emigration, and the increasing presence of the English language amongst Scottish towns and villages.

Today in Scotland you can lap up the welcoming atmosphere, explore the history and customs of Gaelic music and song at a traditional music festival, join in an energetic ceilidh, marvel at the detailed routines of our Highland dances, and more across Scotland.

Gaelic is perceived to be a tricky language to pick up and pronounce correctly, and whilst that may be partially true, once you know a few phrases or words, you’re well on your way to communicating with the locals. You may not even realise it, but you already do speak some Gaelic. Whisky is short for Whiskybae, from uisge-beatha, meaning the ‘water of life’. Why not charm local native speakers by learning some useful Gaelic phrases or have a go at exchanging a few pleasantries?

Wherever you go in Scotland there will always be hints and glimpses of ancient Alba among the modern bustle of our busy lives. Keep your eyes peeled for phrases, join in with the local chatter in the Outer Hebrides, learn a thing or two about the language and take in the historic vibe of ancient Scotland.

Gaelic: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/uniquely-scottish/gaelic/
Bagpipes & Ceilidhs: https://www.visitscotland.com/about/uniquely-scottish/bagpipes-traditional-music-ceilidhs/
Trad Music Festivals: https://www.visitscotland.com/see-do/events/music-festivals/traditional-folk/

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Видео Scottish Gaelic: Explained канала VisitScotland