By Julie Collins - Cape Breton Post
St. Ann’s: The old and the new will connect when the first applicants apply for an online beginners course in Gaelic language.
The online course will be available May 1 through the Gaelic College Foundation supported by the Department Of Tourism, Culture and Herjtage.
This new development reflects the tenacious cultural hold the Gaelic language represents for the descendants of the early Gaelic speaking settlers of Nova Scotia from then to the present day.
Gaelic College Executive Director Sam MacPhee was joined by Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald in launching the online beginners program Friday.
The course, “Beul an tobair” is a beginner course and consists of 12 lessons, songs, extensive reference materials and ongoing instructor feedback and support. It has been ganted full university accredtation by Cape Breton University and has been accepted by The Nova Scotia Department of Education as meeting the criteria for the Grade 10 Gaelic Curriculum in the province, the Intermediate module of the course has also gone online and currently has enrolled students. Cape Breton University “has been a partner in that module.
“I’m sure that the members Of the community who foundd this institution nearly 70 years ago would be pleased with this announcement,” MacPhee said.
“The Gaelic language is at the root of our culture. Sadly, everyday use of the language is far less common today than it has been in the past. It is the view of those involved in language instruction here that the effort to revive Gaelic can only be effectively achieved if it is available to students in our schools.”
He noted that most students have some access to computers.
“We believe that this program offers an opportunity for any youth interested in the language to have access to a proven course that will help stimulate and develop that interest.”
Gaelic College instructor Angus MacLeod, who suggested the creation of an online Gaelic course crafted the lesson content under the guidance of Director of Gaelic Studies Hector MacNeil.
Webmaster Ralph Dillon was responsible for bringing the course to life on the Internet.
“This was a team effort from all three and I hope that team can work together on future developments of this initiative.”
Referring to Cape Breton’s roots to the Gaelic language, Tourism, Culture and Heritage Minister Rodney MacDonald said the online course is appropriate given the fact that youth are so involved with online resources. “The Gaelic language has been a significant part of the cultural identity of this area and many parts of Nova Scotia for the past 200 years. Enabling young Nova Scotians to learn the Gaelic language online is a positive emphasis on the value of culture and diversity and its effect on developing a strong sense of place.” Gaelic college Boarciof Governors President Joe MacNell said he hopes the government will continue to support efforts to preserve the Gaelic language and culture. “Its important to consider the contributions the Gaelic culture has made to the life and times of Nova Scotia,” MacNell said.
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