Taigh Chearsabhagh is committed to promoting the Gaelic language through cultural programming and outreach activities. It can be challenging task to create bilingual interpretation that represents Gaelic equally. In many cases people have varying degrees of Gaelic. For example, some can speak the language fluently but can’t read or write Gaelic.

Taigh Chearsabhagh has opted to create a dedicated section online for Gaelic content. As part of the digital development programme there is a plan to embed sound in the website that will allow Gaelic to be heard with a basic translation provided. Comann Eachdraidh Uibhist a Tuath have a rich storehouse of recorded material that will feature in this special audio online project. To hear the language spoken in a native tongue adds immense depth to the meaning of words.

Gaelic is an ingrained part of life in North Uist and the Outer Hebrides and we must encourage people to look, listen and learn to the sounds of the language if they are to gain a full picture of the intangible culture of the place.

As Dòmhnall Ruadh Choruna tells us in his poem Dhan Ghaidhlig / For Gaelic:

An uair nì craobh na Gàidhlig

Tighinn am bàrr gun chall,

Bidh gach àit’ tha fàs

Loma-làn le clan;

Cha bhi port gun bhàt’ ann,

Cha bhi bàgh gun bhall,

Muileann is sloc sàbhaidh

‘S each an sàs an crann.

 

When the Gaelic tree

flourishes again,

every corner now desolate

will be teeming with children,

every harbour will have its boat,

every bay its mooring;

there will be mills, sawing platforms

and horses at the ploughing.