Hi there,
I wonder if anyone can help me. I have been trying to learn the Irish language for years now without success. I have purchased heaps of cassette courses and instructional books etc, but i can not seem to get beyond one or two simple phrases. My problem is that I do not know how to practise the language when there is no one to use it on.
Almost ten years after first buying Buntus Cainte, I am still walking down the street pathetically informing trees that 'Tá sé anhuar, ach níl sé tirim.' I hope I am saying 'It is very cold but it is not dry' (not too sure about the spelling). Is there anyone out there who can give me a bit of advice as to how to apply the language.
There are no Irish teachers in the part of New Zealand where I live, and the advertisements for Irish speakers I placed in the local newspapers were unsuccessful. Are there any suggestions as to how I can compensate for not having anyone to speak with.
I am currently doing university study, so i don't have much spare time. However, I have a son who is a year old and I would love to be able to converse with him in Irish in a few years. Do you think this is possible or would I need to commit myself to an hour or so per day.
Well, thank you all for your time, I am sorry this has been such a long message,
All the best, Mike.

a chara:Thank you for thoroughly describing the problem.If nothing else, maybe you could use the grammar link of Daltai to fine-tone your spoken pronunciation & also comprehension of Irish at hearing it.Hope this helps. -Slan

A Dhuine Uasail,
Molaim an snámh in aghaidh easa. I would advise an 'Irish conversation/practice' group, rather than a teacher centred 'class', private or otherwise. The latter type of gathering has tended to leave an unfortunate taste in public consciousness. In cases where there is no conversation group, as such, organized, it is often best to make the effort at setting one up. Don't expect wonders - bíonn gach tosnú lag - but working from a university base with the support of one club/society or another, you may be able to organize a public meeting of some small support to start you off. You may very well initate something that could, in time, be very worthwhile. A pub or a cafe can have advantages and disadvantages over a classroom/lecture hall. Arbh fhéidir leat ainm na hollscoile a insint dúinn sa dóigh go dtiocfadh le daoine cuidiú éigin a mholadh duit?

In the case of your son, bail ó Dhia air, time is of the essence of course. A year ago, he had in the region of 64% of his entire brain mapped for language acquisition. Contact must be made and plans must be prepared if he also is to succeed as best he can in his own snámh in aghaidh an easa.

Beir bua is beannacht.

Thank you both for taking the trouble to answer my query. I really appreciate it, Many Thanks, Mike.