JPL
12-18-2007, 08:50 AM
I know we don't have many opportunities to speak Gaeilge everyday. It helps if you have a friend to talk to. Here is just some things I find that help me use Gaeilge gach lá! Anyone else can add their methods..
I speak as Gaeilge to myself.. If I'm hungry, or need to go somewhere, or do something, or describe the day/weather.. I'll do it as gaeilge. This just helps me think and keep gaeilge fresh in my mind.
Also, if I'm e-mailing a friend or dropping them a message online - I'll do it as gaeilge if they can understand it.. If they've only a small understanding, I'll just use basic phrases.
If I'm in the car, I either listen to the radio as gaeilge, or play a learning cd like turas tenga or one of liam o maonlai's cds. I find that watching TG4 once or twice a week is good too. Even if it's only for half an hour during the day, it helps.
Also I find that if you are out having a few beers, you can just start talking as gaeilge to your friends. I think once they are relaxed with a few bottles, they feel alot more comfortable talking as gaeilge. Even if it's only a few basic things like asking them if they want a drink or what pub they want to go to next, it helps. I often see people smiling at me if I speak as gaeilge to a friend.. It's reassuring and in most part out of respect.
No matter what level you are, I think you can do all the above. Is there any other mediums that people use?
I speak as Gaeilge to myself.. If I'm hungry, or need to go somewhere, or do something, or describe the day/weather.. I'll do it as gaeilge. This just helps me think and keep gaeilge fresh in my mind.
Also, if I'm e-mailing a friend or dropping them a message online - I'll do it as gaeilge if they can understand it.. If they've only a small understanding, I'll just use basic phrases.
If I'm in the car, I either listen to the radio as gaeilge, or play a learning cd like turas tenga or one of liam o maonlai's cds. I find that watching TG4 once or twice a week is good too. Even if it's only for half an hour during the day, it helps.
Also I find that if you are out having a few beers, you can just start talking as gaeilge to your friends. I think once they are relaxed with a few bottles, they feel alot more comfortable talking as gaeilge. Even if it's only a few basic things like asking them if they want a drink or what pub they want to go to next, it helps. I often see people smiling at me if I speak as gaeilge to a friend.. It's reassuring and in most part out of respect.
No matter what level you are, I think you can do all the above. Is there any other mediums that people use?