Hi all,
My family is from Connemara and I've always wanted to learn this dialect. I know that Learning Irish is Connemara Irish and a very good program, but it is very grammar-based.

Is there a Connemara/Connacht conversational-based program out there?
If not, what conversational Irish program would you recommend?

Go raibh maith agat!

If you can get your hands on a copy of Cogar (cassettes & flimsy booklets -- out of print about 10 years now), that was in Connacht Irish and quite chatty and light on the grammar.

You can find it here.

http://www.evertype.com/siopa6/catfhog.html

Cionadh (or anyone else),
I've been searching for Connacht materials (on and off) for the last 2 years, and this is first I've heard of Cogar.

Have you personally used it?
What are the positives/negatives?

I'd be very interested to hear any observations.

A little background on my learning...
Last year, I used Pimsleur Irish, which I enjoyed, but since it's so short and audio-only, it is necessary to supplement with other beginners' courses. I then tried Buntus Cainte, but the style (reciting words/sentences) grew boring very quickly. So, I'm looking for a conversational style that has audio and written elements.

I've been searching for Connacht materials (on and off) for the last 2 years, and this is first I've heard of Cogar.

It's been out of print for at least 10 years, possibly a bit more. By the time they stopped making it, the worldwide web was just getting started, so I'm not surprised there are few mentions of it online.

There was also a paperback series in the early '70s with the same title. I have a couple of those -- they're unrelated to the later materials.

Have you personally used it?
What are the positives/negatives?

I haven't used it for learning -- it's beginner-level stuff and I was beyond that by the time I acquired my set. But I listened for enjoyment and possible ideas for presentation (I teach Irish in the "real world").

Positives?
For you, a big one would be dialect. It's also relatively upbeat, and presents like a radio programme (I think it may have originated as such). A nice introduction to Irish if you prefer grammar kept to a minimum.

Negatives?
It's on cassette tapes -- many folks no longer have a player. The "books" (booklets, really) are on cheap coated newsprint stock and printed in very small typeface. This "course" was about as low-budget as one could imagine.

A little background on my learning...
Last year, I used Pimsleur Irish, which I enjoyed, but since it's so short and audio-only, it is necessary to supplement with other beginners' courses.

You probably know that Pimsleur is Munster Irish . . .

I then tried Buntus Cainte, but the style (reciting words/sentences) grew boring very quickly.

. . . and that BC is a blend of dialects.


So, I'm looking for a conversational style that has audio and written elements.

You might be beyond this point, but the "Language/30 Irish" CDs/booklet are quite nice for beginners, and available from many retail outlets. It seems to be a blend of dialects, though, so perhaps not for you.

Have you looked at 'Gaeilge agus Fáilte' from Gael Linn? The book is well-illustrated and costs about $35. 2 cds cost about an extra $20 and are optional, though essential if you're a beginner. It has the major dialects.

Cionaodh,
Is Cogar broken up into a number of lessons? About how long is each lesson?
Also, I take the subway to work everyday, so carrying reading materials isn't always ideal. Can Cogar be used as audio-only? Or, should you have the book with you at all times?

I'm not opposed to grammar necessarily. I just know that initially it could become very intimidating. I'll be tackling Learning Irish once I feel confident enough in my Irish.

Is Cogar broken up into a number of lessons? About how long is each lesson?
Also, I take the subway to work everyday, so carrying reading materials isn't always ideal. Can Cogar be used as audio-only? Or, should you have the book with you at all times?

19 lessons. I think I recall each one's audio was about 10 minutes or so.

The booklets confirm that this was a radio programme, and that these lessons aired in 1988.

If you can "visualize" the spelling as you're hearing it, I think it can be safely used audio-only for your subway journeys. That probably means some reading beforehand, though, unless you've already a good ear for Irish.

Go raibh maith agat, a Chionadh(sp?) !

I think I'll purchase Cogar.

Do you think I could go from Cogar straight to Learning Irish?
Or, would another course in between be optimal?

Go raibh maith agat, a Chionadh(sp?) !

a Chionaoidh

I think I'll purchase Cogar.

Do you think I could go from Cogar straight to Learning Irish?

I don't see why not.

Or, would another course in between be optimal?

You'll find it a bit difficult to find a copy for sale, but if you're patient and monitor all the usual areas (eBay, ABEbooks.com, etc.), you'll get a set eventually.

The An Siopa Leabhar link above quotes the prices in Irish pounds, which tells me it hasn't been updated since 1999 or so, but perhaps they still have a set and can quote you a Euro price.

While you're looking for Cogar, my wife reminds me that Gaschaint has an excellent Connacht component. You can find Gaschaint here:
http://www.litriocht.com/shop/product_info.php?manufacturers_id=&products_id=388 3

This is a truly excellent product with common phrases demonstrated in each major dialect.
And it's on CDs.


(Message edited by cionaodh on February 12, 2007)

Cionadh,
You are a great help!
I've e-mailed the contact at An Siopa Leabhar, so hopefully they have Cogar.

Here's (hopefully) my final question:
If Cogar becomes impossible to find, I've heard good things about "Irish On Your Own". I know that it is in the Ulster dialect. But, is it difficult to go from Ulster dialect (Irish On Your Own) to Connemara/Connacht dialect (Learning Irish)?

From what I've read, most people seem to say "Irish is Irish" and dialects don't matter that much. But, you being a teacher, I wanted to get your thoughts on that.

Thank again for all your help.

If Cogar becomes impossible to find, I've heard good things about "Irish On Your Own". I know that it is in the Ulster dialect. But, is it difficult to go from Ulster dialect (Irish On Your Own) to Connemara/Connacht dialect (Learning Irish)?

For a beginner, it *might* be a challenge. Depends on the student, and how flexibly he/she learns. Some folks can easily wrap their brains around pronunciation differences or different vocab., whilst others are thrown into a tailspin. IOYO (a.k.a. Now You're Talking) is a nice "grammar-lite" course, though, so I'd say give it a try.