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Which level/course should I take?
If you've never studied Irish before, we recommend our "Irish/Gaeilge 1" course. It requires no prior experience.
If you've had some Irish classes previously and aren't sure which of our courses might best suit you, we recommend that you spend about 15 minutes to take an online test at ranganna.com -- the test score you receive will suggest a class level roughly comparable to the course levels we offer (see descriptions below). You may also contact us directly for a suggestion based on the classes you've taken previously.
Irish Course Descriptions
"Introduction
to the Irish Language"
Prerequisites: none
This 1.5 hour class is a basic introduction to conversational Irish, with less
emphasis on Irish in written form. The method of learning is by listening, repeating
and memorizing words and phrases. Basic vocabulary needed for travelers is taught,
as well as Irish songs, poems and proverbs, and a brief overview of the Irish
language -- its history and current status among the languages of the world.
Irish/Gaeilge 1
Prerequisites: none
Irish/Gaeilge 1 is an introductory course that covers the basics of Irish -- pronunciation, grammar and conversation. It is intended to lay the foundation for further studies in Irish, although it can also benefit the more casual student as well. Irish/Gaeilge 1 will introduce the student to basic conversation skills, sentence structure and the unique aspects of Irish pronunciation. This course often includes the learning of songs, poems and colorful idiom.
Irish/Gaeilge 2
Prerequisites: Irish/Gaeilge 1 or equivalent
Irish/Gaeilge 2 is a continuation course that builds upon material covered in Irish/Gaeilge 1, strengthening the student's grasp of Irish pronunciation, grammar and conversation. Irish/Gaeilge 2 will further polish basic conversation skills, understanding of sentence structure pronunciation. Those who complete Irish/Gaeilge 2 will have a basic understanding of Irish, be able to hold short conversations, and read simple stories.
Irish/Gaeilge 3
Prerequisites: at least 1 year of prior Irish classes
Irish/Gaeilge 3 is a course for those who are comfortable with the basics of Irish and are ready to move on — building upon previous knowledge, expanding vocabulary & fluency using both textbooks and supplemental material. In this course, students are introduced to more complex idiom and are taught how to correctly and clearly express themselves through Irish.
Irish/Gaeilge 4
Prerequisites: 1-2 years of prior Irish classes
Irish/Gaeilge 4 continues to build upon previous knowledge, expanding vocabulary & fluency using both textbooks and supplemental material, in preparation for more advanced studies.
Irish/Gaeilge 5
Prerequisites: at least 2 years of prior Irish classes
Irish/Gaeilge 5 is a course for those who have studied Irish for two or more years and are very comfortable with basic conversation, grammar, sentence structure and idiom. Irish/Gaeilge 5 will help round out the student's knowledge of Irish and further strengthen previous knowledge.
Irish/Gaeilge 6
Prerequisites: 2-3 years of prior Irish classes
For the committed student of Irish, Irish/Gaeilge 6 will help round out the student's knowledge of Irish using both textbooks and supplemental material.
Semester-Break
Comhrá Groups
Prerequisites: prior Irish class experience helpful
The New England CnaG Comhrá groups are informally-run gatherings, usually
held in the winter or summer (between formal semesters), although they are sometimes
held concurrently with formal semester classes. These groups are usually student-run and often center around the use of recordings from a conversational course
such as Buntús Cainte, supplemented by whatever materials the group sees
fit to use. The purpose of such groups is to strengthen conversational skills
in a small-group setting, often in someone's home. Because of the fluid and
unstructured nature of such Comhrá groups, please contact
us to be put in touch with the Comhrá group nearest you.
Irish Translation
Prerequisites: 1-2 years prior Irish classes
A weekly gathering of intermediate & advanced students of Irish who read & translate books in Irish to improve their vocabulary, grammar & eading skills. Materials for this course are decided upon by the students & coordinator at the first class meeting of the semester.
Learning Irish Study Group
Prerequisites: 1-2 years prior Irish classes
A weekly gathering of motivated learners who study Irish dialect & conversation using "Learning Irsh" by Mícheál Ó Siadhail (and various other resources as decided by the group).
