First Minister Alex Salmond today personally invited Manx language teachers to the annual Gaelic teachers’ conference in Scotland as he continued to develop educational partnerships across these islands to help to protect indigenous languages.
During a visit to the Isle of Man, the First Minister asked teaching staff from Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, a primary school that teaches through the Manx language, to attend the conference in Aviemore in October and share the successful techniques that are helping to keep the island’s indigenous language alive.
The First Minister also confirmed that a British Irish Council seminar will convene in Scotland later this year to discuss how legislation can help preserve indigenous, minority and lesser used languages.
Mr Salmond welcomed recent figures from Scotland’s Bòrd na Gàidhlig that show a 17 per cent increase in the number of children aged three to five attending Gaelic education; a six per cent increase in primary one intake and an increasing number of teachers qualified to teach in Gaelic schools.
According to research done by Bòrd na Gàidhlig, in 2012/2013 there were a total of 298 teachers qualified to teach Gaelic in Scotland - 193 in primary and 105 in high school, an increase from 189 primary teachers and 98 high school teachers in 2011/2012.
Mr Salmond said:
“Scotland is proud of its investment in indigenous languages and the Scottish Government is committed to protecting and preserving our heritage. The languages we hold dear are key to our culture and economy and we believe the different tongues and dialects enrich our nation.
“I am delighted that there is an increase in parental demand for Gaelic learning, with a 17 per cent increase in the number of children aged between three and five entering Gaelic schools. Scotland already has almost 2,500 children in Gaelic-Medium Education in primary schools.
“Minority language communities, wherever they are, have much in common and this gives us opportunities to learn from each other in areas such as learning and teaching, helping to strengthen the status and position of indigenous languages across these islands.
“As a result, I am delighted to be inviting Manx language teachers to Scotland for the Gaelic teachers’ conference later this year, offering an opportunity for professionals from both education systems to share learning experiences and techniques and form linguistic partnerships.
“I am also delighted to confirm that a British Irish council seminar will take place in Scotland later this year, which will discuss the importance of legislation in protecting and preserving indigenous languages.
“We will continue to share ties of language, culture and friendship. The Manx language is a close cousin of Scots Gaelic and I was fascinated to hear first-hand the similar sounds from the children at the school.”
Phil Gawne MHK, chair of the educational charity Mooinjer Veggey which provides the service on behalf of the Department of Education and Children, said:
“The Isle of Man is proud of its Gaelic heritage and strong cultural ties with Scotland. We received considerable advice and support from Gaelic education organisations in Scotland when we first established our school in 2001 and we continue to work closely with colleagues in Scotland.
“We are delighted that the First Minister has taken time to visit us. The children were pleased with the interest he showed in their school.”
This article is available in Gaelic at the Scottish Government website.
http://news.scotland.gov.uk/News/First-Minister-visits-Manx-language-school-27c.aspx