Are you learning Gaelic, or are you already fluent? Do you have no interest in the language and think it’s a waste of time and money?
I’m curious about the views of c/Scotland users regarding the Gaelic language and its place in modern Scotland.
Tapadh leibh | Thanks
Do you despise Gaelic?
Are there people who despise Gaelic?
Certainly. They think it’s a waste of taxpayer’s money to change road signs and put “Ambaileans” next to the word “Ambulance”.
For example, if you dare to go onto X/Twitter, you can find things like this: https://x.com/redskykite/status/1185329313320714240
How prevalent that kind of view is though, I’m not sure. Is it common or is it a vocal minority?
If you’re reading this and fall into this category please reply, I’d like to know your take.
Certainly. They think it’s a waste of taxpayer’s money to change road signs and put “Ambaileans” next to the word “Ambulance”.
That seems like a bit of a leap. I can’t see any “hate” in the Twitter post you linked to. They’re concerned about government spending on a minority language. That doesn’t imply hatred of the language. It could just as easily be motivated by hatred of government mismanagement.
That’s fair, however there are people who have more… vitriolic expressions of the same sentiment.
I think we’re getting bogged down in semantics though, I was just curious as to whether people like or dislike the language, whether they know any, whether they think it should be promoted, repressed, or just left to its own devices and if it thrives or dies, so be it.
I never learned it at school (I think one of the RE teachers also taught Gaelic but she was a bit of a laughing stock and more people did Latin than Gaelic). I certainly don’t despise it, I just don’t speak it, read it, or understand it.
Are there any communities that speak primarily Gaelic (as there are a few in Wales who speak Welsh)? If not then I don’t think Gaelic really has much of a place in modern Scotland other than as cultural heritage. Much like the kilt. No-one wears a kilt on an everyday basis, but it’s nice to break out the tartan for a wedding or Burns night, etc.
