I live in a town of 18,000 people in the upper midwest of the USA. Although I'm a shaky advanced beginner in the Irish language, I decided to try teaching "Beginner's Irish Gaelic Language" through our community education for adults. We will meet on four consecutive Tuesday nights.

I was pleased to find 21 people show up for the first class. Only five of them have been to Ireland. And only two of the 21 have Irish surnames (although many of the women are no doubt married and have taken their husband's names.)

About five of the 21 students have tried to learn Spanish. One other student has learned some Russian, and one other person has tried French. When I asked them if anyone could say anything in Irish, three people said "Failte." Another said "Erin go brach."

Based on the enthusiasm of our first session, I think this class will be lots of fun. I just wanted the Daltai group to know that even in a small American town, there is interest in the language.

A Liam, maith thú for taking the initiative. It's usually a very popular offering whenever there's a teacher available to do such classes. The problem facing most of us is the shortage of teachers outside the larger cities.

I think you've twigged the solution, though -- don't wait for a Gaeltacht native or highly educated person to somehow drop into your lap on cue. We usually need to "grow our own" teachers . . . people who are motivated enough to go seek out teachers/classes for themselves, and then go offer to help other learners with whatever Irish you've got. And if questions arise for which you don't have ready answers, tell them you'll check on it and get back to them at the next class -- then hurry home and get yourself onto the Daltaí forum to get some opinions.

Maith thu a Liam! That is so neat, I hope it goes very well for you agus do dhaltai.

:)

Beir bua agus beannacht

What a great idea. támé learning on mo own; however, if mé get another to work with me, mo pronunciation would be more accurate.

Go n-éirí an t-ádh leat, a Liam! (Good luck!)

Maith thu, a Liam.

As your students begin to improve, this will encourage you to further your own skills, if only to keep ahead of the posse.

Many years ago I started to tach guitar to beginners, even though I was little more than a begniner myself. But I pushed myself into becoming more accomplished than would otherwise have been the case

Bhímé an 4H leader agus basic skills sa crafts mé taught; agus mé had to stay one step ahead. Agus mé learned more about the craft from experienced people.

Also, working with people ahead of tú makes tú try to become as proficient. Anseo in seo forum támé finding a great place to spend an hour reenforcing what mé know, how to use it; agus reach for more. Támé very happy to work ansin on my Gaeilge.
If tátú a 'newbie' as támé perhaps we can progress together?
GRMA

Liam, sin ar fheabhas!

The language needs more people like you.. Any help you should need, use Daltaí and if you don't get want you need i'll give you my email!

Is mise le meas,
Domhnall

Liam, A Chara;

I did a similar "beginners Irish for and from a Beginner" a few years back. I only had about 4 "regulars" but we had great fun with it. Unfortunatley, other events came into play and I was no longer able to provide the consistent organization/leadership necessary and the group eventually disbanded.

Sounds like you are off to a much more robust start. Best of luck to you!