Learning a New Language with SMU’S Irish Society

Written by Leah Oake 

Thumbnail & Banner Photo by Wynand van Poortvliet on Unsplash

  Societies are known for providing fun and engaging events for students. They use common tactics like bake sales, game nights, gatherings, etc. But sometimes, societies break out of those boxes and provide engaging, educational, and informative events. The spotlight today is being shed on SMU’s Irish Society. The society has recently announced that they are offering language classes throughout February. They will focus on subgenres of the Celtic language: Gaeilge – beginner Irish and Gaidhligh – beginner Scottish Gaelic. But why should we care about these languages as a student body? What is the importance? If the language is dying, why is it worth revitalization? Well, that’s what I intended to find out with my conversation with Lauchlin McManus, the social media coordinator of the Irish society.

Before I divulged into the logistics of the classes, I wanted to learn more about the society itself. I asked Lauchlin what the goal of the society is. 

Lauchlin: The goal of the society is to help grow and foster interest in the Irish language and Irish studies amongst students.

He explained to me that after the retirement of the long-time department head, Dr. Pádraig Ó Siadhail, the Irish Studies department of SMU has been in a transitional phase. So, not only does the society help with basic societal benefits (friends, games, social outings), but they also push for recognition for this discipline. So, even though the discipline has a place at SMU, why is the language aspect important?

Lauchlin: The language is a vital aspect of Irish culture and has a stored history. The Irish and Scottish Gaelic languages are endangered, and we want to be a part of changing that. They are beautiful languages in their own right, which deserve to be heard.  

So, if these languages deserve to be heard, then who are the classes targeted towards? Is the society exclusively for people of Irish descent, or is it open to all? When looking at a society centred around ethnicity and language, it is essential to determine the target group.

Lauchlin: The society is absolutely open to everyone. I have met many Irish language scholars from across Canada, and having Irish descent is not universal. I’ve met students who were into it (Irish studies) because they were linguists or just thought it sounded interesting. We want to make it clear that all are welcome. 

Photo by Mark Rasmuson on Unsplash

In addition, Lauchlin said that some people showed interest in the society because they were interested in colonialism and its impact on local cultures. Lauchlin makes it evident that everyone is welcome; even though learning a language in an area of study you do not engage in academically can be intimidating, you will still be welcomed! You shouldn’t be scared to try a new language, and here’s why:

Lauchlin: Please don't be afraid to learn a new language. I know I sounded silly when I first started learning last year. It's a language that is in a precarious state, unfortunately. Still, it is a beautiful language with beautiful sayings, poetry, and folklore, and we encourage you to step outside your comfort zone and see what it's like. We will be nothing but encouraging and supportive. 

A safe and judgment-free environment is the best place to try a new language! Why would taking these classes benefit someone? 

Lauchlin: Getting into it can be unique to the individual; I know I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for my Dad being an immigrant from Belfast. I grew up in an Irish immigrant family environment where music, culture, and history were taught to us. But since we are in Atlantic Canada, we have been uniquely impacted by these languages in ways we don't realize. At one point, they were widely spoken here. In the late 19th century, Scottish Gaelic was Canada’s 3rd most spoken language (mostly in northern Nova Scotia and Cape Breton). 

With great information from Lauchlin about his own life and the history of the Irish languages, it helps to understand the importance of rejuvenating a dying word of the tongue. Finally, I asked Lauchlin what the structure of the classes would be – so you would know what to expect when you attend!

Lauchlin: The structure of classes is pretty relaxed. We encourage you to come and take notes, but there are no assignments or tests. We want this to be your entry point into the community. Our goal is to create more Irish speakers for us to talk to! Our Irish language professor is Ciaran Mac Siulai, a former SMU student working for the Office of Gaelic Affairs in Nova Scotia. He is also my first cousin, which makes this sound more Irish! Our Scottish Gaelic teacher is a current SMU student, Ruaridh Mac Aonghais (Roddy Macinnes) from Cape Breton.

Being acquainted (even via this article) with the teachers and class structure will make transitioning from reading this article to actually sitting in the classroom easier. A big thanks to Lauchlin, who provided great answers to help me answer my original question: “Why should we, as a student body, care about these languages? What is the importance? If the language is dying, why is it worth revitalization?” I have come to the conclusion that while some of us may not identify with any Irish background, learning the language can have dozens of benefits.

Further education and knowledge of history will help catapult a language that some people depend on. The Irish Society is doing marvellous work, and I can't wait to see what they continue to do with these classes. I wish their mission to spread this language across SMU all the best of luck!