Gaelic Foundations 3a: 'I am from...' in Scottish Gaelic

This lesson will guide you through explaining where you're from and what it's like there. You're already expressing yourself in multiple ways! Great job!
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Thanks for stopping by!
-Jason
#gaidhlig #learngaelic #scottishgaelic #scotland #gaelic

[@thacabbagekid]

The Scottish government should give you a big fat cheque and get you a slot on TV just before the evening news! 5 mins with Jason! would be a great initiative to help bring it back! im sure a lot of people will want to use it!

[@skylerpainter1307]

Dude you are amazing I’ve learned so much in a whole day and your style of teaching helps alot

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear! Come back anytime, Skyler. Enjoy your day.

[@rucker69]

Dude, thank you. I've wanted to try learning the language of my ancestors for so long, but found other sources to be dull. You've made it very enjoyable and the way you tie in different concepts works very well. Buaidh no bas, my friend.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear, Tex. I'm happy that I can help you connect with your ancestral language. You're welcome here any time. :) Buaidh no Bas indeed!

[@Bella_DonnaXOXO]

Jason!!!! I'm so glad to have stumbled across one of your videos. I very recently decided to try learning Gaelic. I've been binge watching Outlander, and I recently discovered that my mom is 30% Scottish. Add that to the fact that we're all grounded because of Coronavirus, and bam! Why not learn a new language? I tried Duolingo first, but it really felt like a guessing game. They throw words and sentences at you with no rhyme or reason, and expect you to know the answer. Then I found you! I'm 3 videos in, and already passing duolingo lessons with 100% scores. I'm waiting for my index cards to arrive so I can make flash cards. I love your videos, and how you present the information. You break everything down and explain things so that even I can understand them. And you're very entertaining and you keep the lessons interesting. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your time to keep this beautiful language alive.

[@GaelicwithJason]

My pleasure, Courtney. You made my day. :) It sounds like you're growing a meaningful connection to your ancestry during this lockdown. Time very well spent, I'd say! Wishing you luck as you keep learning. You're welcome here any time.

[@aonghastheyouthful4624]

Hey man, thanks for these videos, I’m 15 and I’m from Scotland, and I’m going to try and learn Gaelic, thanks for your videos, keep it up! Hope you are well!

[@chucklowery1695]

Love these lessons... I am already learning so much. I worked as a bilingual teacher for years and your pedagogy is spot on. Engaging, personable, memorable. Also, I have always wanted to learn Gaelic. My only regret is that I am just now discovering that channel.

[@charanderson6690]

You are a very good teacher! Thank you so much for the opportunity to improve my Gaelic.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Thank you very much, Char. :) The pleasure is mine. Come back any time!

[@ludingtonian584]

Hi, Jason. I love your videos, and I'm really trying to learn. Please, could we have a lesson on the alphabet and general pronunciations? I don't trust my ear; it would be useful to have some idea about understanding the alphabet and how it works.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Good morning! I'm a bit confused; do you mean the letter names and individual sounds in Gaelic? Or perhaps dipthongs, the combinations of letters?

[@kelef666]

@@GaelicwithJason Both please! :)

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@kelef666, I've been making some videos about the more bizzare sounds to foreign ears. They're in a dedicated playlist on here. :)

[@Agincourtwarbow]

Thanks you so much for these Jason. My wife and I just moved to the Maritimes and have begun our Gaelic learning. My aunt used to sing to me in Gaelic as a child, and I can hear the old Cape Breton words come through your lessons. Many thanks, your teaching method is brilliant. We shall be looking up your courses.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Congratulations on your move! What a gift to be able to visit Cape Breton. :) The Maritimes have a special place in my heart. It would be a pleasure to see you on one of my courses! If you have any questions, just drop me a message through my website. Take care and enjoy the rest of your week!

[@richardmcalister8017]

Great job. Your teaching method is so much better than 'Speaking Our Language' or the really old 'Can Seo'. Extremely helpful and effective (well, at least it helps me talk to myself in Gaelic since there is no one else around here speaking it).

[@GaelicwithJason]

We're all there, a charaid! In my eyes, there's nothing wrong with talking to oneself - in any language. I'm happy that you enjoyed the videos. Come back any time!

[@nevem5010]

Your videos are awesome! The pace and range of content in each one is perfect. I did a year of Gaelic at university but didn't keep up with it afterwards, and your lessons make me feel like I *can* stick with it, and take it further; thank you!

[@GaelicwithJason]

I am glad that you're feeling capable and motivated, Neve! It's a pleasure to see your comments on here. 🙂

[@GraaY94]

These are so handy! Using the duolingo app but sometimes you can’t work out the logic behind possesives in Gaelic 😂 using agam & agad is like ughhh

[@GaelicwithJason]

Glad to hear they're handy! Possessives can be like that. I made a video about them recently. It'll be up on here soon.

[@charanderson6690]

So true!!

[@amberpowell473]

Love your videos!! Thank you for putting these up; I've learned so much already!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear, Amber! You're very welcome. I'm glad you're here with us. :) Take care and stay safe.

[@Gaeill]

You're so good it's frightening. A teaching performance that is definitely musical and tightly prepared. Cheers from Standish, Maine!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Mòran taing, a Ghaeill! 🙂 Ciamar a tha Standish an-diugh?

[@aimeereynolds4417]

Tha mi a Maine as well! Thank you so much for your lessons - learned more in one video that hours on Duolingo! Tapadh leibh!

[@GaelicwithJason]

'S e do bheatha. 🙂 Another Mainer, cool! Cò às a tha thu ann am Maine, Aimee?

[@whofan1989]

Tha mì `a Monadh Rois ann Alba. Tha Alba gl`e bhr`eagha. Tapadh leat Jason. Hope that's right.These lessons are teaching me more than books from the library are.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear, a charaid! Come back any time. :)

[@sarmatianboy1029]

I decided to learn Gaelic as well because I like how Scottish Gaelic sounds. Hi from Russia ! =)... I learn Chinese and Scottish Gaelic simultaneously😁😁😁😁

[@laynierae4495]

You're accent is on point - even better than mine and I'm from the South West of Scotland 😂😁 I love your teaching method and will definitely try using it (I teach English in Italy)...have a great day!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Italia - you lucky duck! Whereabouts in Italy? Thank you very much. As a non-Gael, it's rare to hear compliments about my speech patterns. This means a lot to me. You made my week!

[@deanworsley2244]

Runrig lead singer is Bruce indeed, Bruce Guthro. He replaced Donnie Munroe many years ago. This band is one of the reasons I wanted to learn this beautiful language 👌

[@caspianx3393]

Jason logic: Tha Iapan beag - agus tha Alba Nuadh mòr ... but on a serious note these videos are amazing and i'm grateful for them!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hehe, geography isn't my strong suit! 😁

[@Quigley1200]

Thank you Jason. For the first time I'm understanding a wee bit of the Gaelic. (I'm 5th generation Scot).

[@GaelicwithJason]

Excellent to hear, Roger! Glad to hear your Gaelic is growing already. 🙂 Enjoy the rest of your day and thanks for watching.

[@hannahcruz1440]

When you talk about the trees is sounds like my name.

[@birch2766]

Thank you so much for these videos. I'm using Duolingo, LearnGaelic.scot, BrianWilkesMedia & you to learn. It seemed daunting at first but after a month it's really coming around. Again, thank you.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear, a charaid. Your Gaelic is always growing, even if it doesn't look like much is happening on the surface.

[@randalallen5792]

Very good gla-va! Cool studies its like you understand how to teach well naturally, born for it..

[@JM-gu3tx]

Day to day imperatives would be nice to learn, too.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Noted. Thanks for the suggestion, Ian. I hope your day is going well.

[@priscilaaabye5930]

Your videos are brilliant! Thank you so much!

[@GaelicwithJason]

You're very welcome, Priscila. It's my pleasure to offer them. 🙂 Thanks for watching and take care.

[@ZestonN]

is fìor thoil leam na leasanan sin! I really like these lessons! But about "mh" and "bh", in alot of words like Samhain, the "mh" is a "wah" sound, while "bh" is always "V". So I've been pronouncing "glè mhath" as "gleh wah". I've been learning Gàidhlig on my own since 2003. But, this is the best teaching course I've found, lately. :) Bhidèothan sgoinnèil! Great Videos! 😃👍

[@GaelicwithJason]

Tapadh leat, a charaid. Tha mi toilichte gun toil leat iad. 🙂 It's true, BH and MH do usually have that V sound - when they're at the beginning or end of a word. If they're in the middle of a word, though, they can sound like a W or be silent. It depends on the dialect. I have a video about that here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/jn3Fapp6gd9_ppY I hope it clarifies this quirk a bit. Take care, stay safe, and enjoy your weekend!

[@AprilClayton]

I really like these videos. I’m interested in Cape Breton music, and it’s nice to have a clue as to what the lyrics are about. Thank you.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Agreed, April. The songs mean far more when you learn the meaning behind some of the words. What Gaelic songs do you like?

[@AprilClayton]

Mo Run Geal Dileas is one of my favorites. I discovered the Ranking Family watching CBC in Michigan, and I was hooked. I sing the songs by imitating the sounds, having no clue what they mean, but something in my Scottish DNA has a passion for the music and language.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@AprilClayton Wonderful. There is something about the blood recognizing language and music, I think. I enjoy the Rankins vr🙂 Enjoy your day!

[@happytraveller8953]

Hey Jason--greetings from Lewis. Hope you and your family had a lovely Thanksgiving. May I ask a question about plurals? The plural for trees is 'craobhan' and there is a final 'h' to that word. The plural for traigh is 'traighean' with an 'ean' instead of just 'an'. May I ask why this is different? Thanks!

[@GaelicwithJason]

You are looking closely at the words, Traveller! Nice. 🙂The difference is the last vowel. In craobh, the last vowel is an 'a'. Thus, we use 'an'. Traigh has that 'i', so we use 'ean'. I and E like to go together. Does that help?

[@elysiataylorhearn]

Love your videos, thank you! Just wondering if you could possibly recommend any podcasts or whatnot that broadcast in Gaelic to help get my ear in a bit more please? Thanks again! :)

[@GaelicwithJason]

Great idea, Sia. Honestly, there's not much for beginners or even intermediate learners. Some folk recommend Rèidio nan Gàidheal and I personally don't. They speak very quickly and if you don't understand *what* they're saying, it's of limited use as a learning activity. You might tune your ear a bit. Perhaps you could put on some of the videos on learngaelic.scot on in the background and listen that way? They're slower and aimed at learners.

[@elysiataylorhearn]

@@GaelicwithJason Thank you very much, I will head to the latter and give it a crack 😊 Thanks again!

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@elysiataylorhearn My pleasure, Sia. Enjoy!

[@Tru3n0mad]

I’m on your third video and I’ve already bought one of your books. You’re from Maine? I have a ton of family from there.

[@sarmatianboy1029]

In addition I adore Celtic music

[@emilytreece3142]

Can anyone explain why in the sentence "Tha an cat ag iarraidh an iasg" there is no "t" before iasg? What happened to an t-iasg?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Emily. Well spotted. Here's the difference: an t-iasg = the fish ag iarraidh an iasg = wanting (of) the fish Literally, the cat is "wanting of the fish". The grammar of that kind of phrase is a bit different from just talking about the fish, so the T- gets dropped. Does that help?

[@miriamtanzer6331]

Hi Jason! I have a question.. For example in the sentence "Dè tha glé bhrèagha ann (an?) Maine? You say something before Maine and I just can`t quite figure it out :) P.S. I really love your videos, they`re amazing!!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Thanks very much, Miriam! I am happy that you're enjoying them so much. In the video, I say "ann am Maine". It's ann *am* because Maine starts with an M. Does that help?

[@barkleyburker7849]

I realize I'm old but your writing on the board is getting small and hard to see...thanks Caite bheil mor" writing?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Sorry about that, Barkley. I'm looking at different whiteboard configurations for my future videos, one that will have the camera much closer to it. Hopefully that will make things much clearer. 🙂

[@erraticToaster92]

Your videos are the best Gaidhlig lessons I have seen. Thank you for all your work, tapadh leat! If you are an Americanach how did you ever learn to pronounce Gaidhlig so well?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Thank you very much! 🙂 This work is my pleasure and I aim to keep doing it for years to come. Your appreciation of my accent means a lot to me as well. In the first few years of studying Gàidhlig, my pronunciation was on the rougher side. I always made myself understood though. Over the years, I did some work on consciously changing how I say certain sounds and letter combinations, which helped a lot. It took some time to get there because my ear didn't always hear the smaller, more subtle sounds within some Gaelic words. Also, I needed to get over a fear of making mistakes while speaking. One day, I said to myself "Screw it, I'm just going to speak Gàidhlig, even if it's a bit wonky." Heck, sometimes I say things in English, my native language, that are a bit wonky!

[@erraticToaster92]

Gaelic with Jason Hi Jason, thanks for explaining. You give me hope for my own pronunciation. I really want to speak Gàidhlig, I’m not sure why that feeling has come over me so strongly. For a long time I told myself I could never learn, the sounds are too non-englishy for me to say. And then all a sudden I was like, I don’t care I’m just going to learn Gàidhlig! What made you want to learn Gàidhlig vs. any other language?

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@erraticToaster92 That's the turning point: heck with it, I'm going to just do it! Well done, Toaster. That takes courage. The short version of that story is that I heard a few Gaelic songs while browsing KZbin back in 2005. I found it quite interesting but I was more interested in history and culture. After many twists and turns, my road ended up in Nova Scotia where I did a Celtic Studies degree. From Day 1 of Gaelic 100, I was absolutely hooked. It wasn't an easy process. Tradtional grammar instruction really didn't work for me back then and I almost gave up - to learn Icelandic instead! It's funny - I never considered myself much of a language person. I'm fluent in German (long story short - I acquired tons while living in Berlin) and I wanted to learn some Old Norse to read bits of the Sagas in the original language but Gaelic just got me. I feel that it's in my blood, even though I'm not a Gael. My life is far richer with Gaelic being in it, anyway. 🙂

[@erraticToaster92]

That’s awesome, I’m glad you stuck with it. It is cool to know Gaelic attracts even those who are not Gaelic. I also love learning about the history and culture. I have ancestors from at least 2 Gaelic clans. Although that was never enough to make me want to learn before. I heard some Gàidhlig songs on you tube a while back and got intrigued by it and started listening to them now and then, even before I thought of learning. By the way, I’m so glad you mentioned Runrig, I looked them up and I have fallen in love with them.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Ah, glad you like them. Runrig is classic. It's funny how the thought of language as language may not appeal to folk but it's the music or the songs that draw them in. Worked on me for sure!

[@margaretwilliamson4835]

I live in NY but born and raised in Scotland and learning gàidhlig from your videos.I have a question why and or when would you say Brèagha vs Bhrèagha? What causes it to change?

[@alexishopkins526]

Learning from Virginia USA ❤️

[@GaelicwithJason]

Welcome, Stephanie. I'm glad you're here with us. 🙂 I hope things are going ok in Virgina and that you're healthy and safe these days.

[@alexishopkins526]

Gaelic with Jason, doing well so far 😊 just waiting for autumn to get some relief from the heat and humidity. I hope you’re safe and healthy as well.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@alexishopkins526 Glè mhath! 🙂 We are so far, thank you, and looking forward to the break in the weather too. I think some of our plants are as well - especially the kale.

[@martinhartecfc]

I teach EFL and I'm watching you as much to improve my teaching (watching extremely good teachers at work is obviously very helpful for that) as out of curiosity about Gaelic TBH. Just one question, though: I notice in the videos so far that you use "a bheil" for yes/no questions, but for wh questions, you sometimes use the "wh" word plus "tha" and sometimes the wh word plus "bheil". What's the pattern here?

[@happytraveller8953]

Runrig is having a bit of a renaissance in Alba at the moment, actually. Excellent band! Ceol math! Question--when do you use just the a' to say from and when the as (sorry, my keyboard doesn't do accent marks...)? Thanks!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Ceòl glè mhath! 🙂There's a slight difference between them: à = from, às = from *the*.

[@kat5778]

Sgoinneil! Tapadh leibh a thidseir.

[@karri8998]

Gle mhath lesson Jason. Thanks! I am trying but am a wee bit fearful I will never get it.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Tapadh leat, a Karri! I know the feeling - it's one that most Gaelic learners feel at one point or another. I certainly did. I almost gave up in the beginning. Gaelic instincts take some time to build - more time than other languages I've encountered. We all start from the very beginning. When you watch my videos and understand what I'm saying and writing (even if saying it yourself feels tricky right now), you're growing more Gaelic in your mind. I promise that your skills are developing, even if it doesn't feel like it. 🙂 Please don't stress out too much. If things feel frustrating, taking a break can be a very wise decision. 🙂 A fresh mind learns best, in my experience at least.

[@karri8998]

@@GaelicwithJason Tapadh leat, a Jason. I am really liking your pictures, hand gestures and flash cards, they are really helping me remember.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@karri8998 Glè mhath! I'm happy to hear that! You can do this; just take it bit-by-bit. 🙂

[@saxonwillow]

Jason, can you tell me the pronunciation of Alba in the Gaelic. Is it Al-u-ba or Al-u-pa? Just confused wether it’s a b sound or a p sound! I’m enjoying your lessons, decided to learn my own language in my retirement. I’m from Aberdeen originally and at school Gaelic was not spoken and neither was our own dialect, which was Doric. We were told we had to learn proper English. So this is all new to me and it’s wonderful, thank you!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Welcome, Marie! I'm glad you here with us and admire your courage in learning Gaelic. :) To my ear, the B in Alba is between a B sound and P sound. One of my teachers suggested that, when in doubt, lean into the P sound. Take care, stay safe, and happy new year!

[@wickedone6476]

Tha an bhealach seo beagán aisteach ach 's toil liom an ranganna cibé , tha é suimiúil. Tha Gaidhlig comhchosúil le Gaedhlig. Math thú @Gaelic with Jason . Glé mhath go cinnte.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Go raibh maith agat, a chara! Tha iad diofaraichte agus coltach aig an aon àm. Tha e glè inntinneach. :)

[@wickedone6476]

@@GaelicwithJason Tha oiber math é seo a chara , is difríocht í gan dabht ach chan eil difríochtaí mhór , in an bharúil agam . Go raibh míle math a'd don oiber seo .

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@wickedone6476 Tapadh leat, a charaid.

[@wickedone6476]

Sé do bheatha leaid . Tha múinteoirí níos mó uainn mar thú féin.

[@GaelicwithJason]

'S dòcha gum bi. Bu toil leam a bhith a' trèanadh tidsearan na Gàidhlig aon latha.

[@waynestewart9380]

Great! Would it be possible at the end of your lessons for you to give a clear view of the white board so I could take a picture. This would help in remembering the lesson. We review the video 7 times then move on to the next one. Glè mhath.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Wayne - great idea! I will keep that in mind for future videos. Thanks very much for that.

[@computergraham]

You presentation method is spot on! Could you help me with: na dì-chuimhnich? Should be "Do not forget" in English yet- how best to pronounce this?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Thanks Gordon! Hmmm, that's a tricky one to write out. Try this link: s3-eu-west-1.amazonaws.com/lg-dic/9852.mp3 All you'd need to do is put a 'na' in front of it. Take care, stay safe, and happy new year!

[@kimberlybarnes6159]

Question! Why would we say Bha na craobhan and not An robh na craobhan? Thank you!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hello Kimberly and thanks for the question. Sorry for the delay - I did a big move last month and electricity is limited out here. *An robh* is a question word and works great for asking "An robh na craobhan brèagha?" Bha, on the other hand, is a statement. It's saying the trees were beautiful: Bha na craobhan brèagha. Does that clarify things?

[@kylemcclellan9686]

Are my ears deceiving me or is "Alba" pronounced as if there is a third A between the L and the B?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Well heard - no ear deception there! There is a hidden vowel in there, which makes the whole sound a bit like this: "Ah-la-pa". Nicely done, Kyle! 🙂

[@connorm1068]

@@GaelicwithJason Is there a way to identify the hidden vowels or more learn the words that have them? I quite appreciate that you take the time to show what letter combination make which sounds.

[@GaelicwithJason]

It's my pleasure, a charaid. I plan on making more soon. :) As for hidden vowels, there's no pattern or way to predict them that I've heard of. They're best learned as you go.

[@malcolmmoore5260]

I know it's a bit of a horrible generalisation ( spelt correctly with an 's' ) but can you sort of say that if in doubt when two vowels are together the second is almost silent ? Ta M

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hmm, it depends on the word. Can you give me an example of a word like that?

[@whatiswrongwiththeworld8451]

What made you learn Scottish Gaelic?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Thanks for asking. That's a whole video in itself. I aim to film it at some point this year. 🙂

[@sarmatianboy1029]

By the way beantann is similar with Mountain

[@barkleyburker7849]

can ya post a link to the right dictionary for scot gaelic? tried to find it and got a bunch of stuff...thanks

[@GaelicwithJason]

Sure thing, Barkley. The one I recommend to learners is the one on learngaelic.scot. It has sound files for every entry, which is truly invaluable while you're tuning your ears to the song of Gaelic. 🙂 Nice to see you today.

[@barkleyburker7849]

@@GaelicwithJason got it sent email when ya get time...thanks

[@S24W2]

Tá do stíl ar feabhas! Tá mé ag foghlaim a lán as do videos! Go raibh míle maith agat

[@stevene6181]

the freaking consonant clusters like bh, fh, dh, ch and gh are killing me because my brain can't unthink the way they are pronounced in Beurla

[@GaelicwithJason]

It's true, they're strange beasts at first. Over time, they'll become much more natural. You won't even notice them. For now, though, yes, they're funky.

[@vandamme6379]

Always wanted to visit Maine since I was a kid, due to Stephen King books/movies. Can you recommend any good eateries?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Loads! What are some of your favorite kinds of food? I'm partial to the bagels from Mr Bagel. According to their website, a fellow came here from NY to make NY style bagels. While I can't say that they're identical, they're still fantastic. But then again, I'm a bagel guy.

[@Sabhail_ar_Alba]

Glè mhath, a Deusain

[@nitishramparsad1412]

Hi Jason. I'm really enjoying your videos. I have a question: why does Cò mean 'Who' but 'Cò as a tha thu' mean 'Where' are you from?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Nitish. I'm glad to hear you're enjoying them. Great question. Cò às is really asking "WHO are you from", as in 'who are your people/family/ancestors?' Family ties and kinship are important in Gaelic culture. Way back when, people didn't move around so much and saying "I'm a MacDonald" would give a strong clue about where you were from. Does that make sense?

[@nitishramparsad1412]

@@GaelicwithJason Makes perfect sense. Thank you!

[@GaelicwithJason]

My pleasure,@@nitishramparsad1412!

[@saradevanney9469]

I really love your lessons but cannot afford 165 for the course. Do you have a shorter one available?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Sara. I can understand that. Things are tight for many of us. At the moment, I just have the two big online courses. I do plan on making several shorter ones at a lower cost as well as many new story videos for this channel. Once I move into my new place, I look forward to filming more. :)

[@GaelicwithJason]

Oh, also, perhaps it's worth mentioning that my big online courses have payment plans over 5/10 months. I'm not trying to pressure you or seal any deal, just pointing it out in case that's useful to you. :)

[@barkleyburker7849]

at 17:48 in vid na beckun = is beag? ceartl?? how spell?? thanks

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hey Barkley! That's spelled like this: "beagan" (a little bit). 🙂

[@barkleyburker7849]

@@GaelicwithJason got it will add to my lesson note..thanks pressing on

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@barkleyburker7849 Happy to help. Someone pointed out to me the other day that it's possible to slow these videos down. Would that be useful to you if there's a part of the lesson that doesn't click right away?

[@barkleyburker7849]

@@GaelicwithJason found it that will help the stop go back and play again...thanks

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@barkleyburker7849 'S e do bheatha.

[@aidanballard6165]

Tha Liverpool ann Alba Nuadh!!!!! agus ann Sasainn

[@GaelicwithJason]

Sin ceart! Glè mhath, a charaid!

[@melodyoneill1732]

Why not use "caite" in asking where some one is from?

[@GaelicwithJason]

It's just how the phrase goes. :) There's a theory that asking "Cò às" is asking who someone is from, ie: what their people/family/tribe are. I've heard another theory that "Cò às" is from an Old Irish phrase instead and that's just a coincidence, however, the first one is very useful in making a distinction between "Cò às?" and "Càite?" Kinship relations are important in Gaelic culture. Does that help at all?

[@melodyoneill1732]

@@GaelicwithJason So it like saying "who are your people". I can understand that. Tapadh leat!!

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@melodyoneill1732 'S e do bheatha. :) I hope your week is going well.

[@sarmatianboy1029]

Tha mi à Kazan city 😁😁😁

[@CuFhoirthe88]

Taighean agus tràighean are very similar. I'd make the connection it's glè shnog to have a taigh air an tràigh. Breagha.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Brèagha, gu dearbh! That's a great way to remember. 'S math sin, Dragon Lord.

[@odinsett8824]

... When you know all the bands mentioned... Lol

[@GaelicwithJason]

Sounds like we'd be music buddies then. 🙂 Have any favorites?

[@odinsett8824]

@@GaelicwithJason depends on mood really. Need a mosh, Metallica. Chill, Eagles - their albums are all good. Last few years I've really been into Wardruna.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@odinsett8824 Ooo, Wardruna. They're excellent! I put on Yggdrassil on loop when I write. It really does something for my stories. I think they came out with a new album this year? The one with two ravens on it - one black, one white?

[@odinsett8824]

@@GaelicwithJason yeah new album. Saw them last year live, seeing them next year too as rescheduled because of Covid. Live is a special experience I highly recommend.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@odinsett8824 One day... 🙂

[@rkozakand]

The Eagles? Don't you mean An Iolaraich?

[@rkozakand]

An Iolairan?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Close! I'd 'say 'Na h-Iolairean.' :)

[@MiiMaker]

Isnt mountain "beinn"? Why is it beanntan?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Yes, you got it. Beinn = a mountain, beanntan = mountains. It's the plural.

[@MiiMaker]

@@GaelicwithJason flippin eck! this is really tough!

[@GaelicwithJason]

What's tough about it, @@MiiMaker?

[@Seumas-MacDhaibhidh]

Oops, I meant gle bhreagha!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Well spotted, a Sheumais. :)

[@Seumas-MacDhaibhidh]

Tha Florida gle breagha! Ach, tha mi a Indiana.

[@GaelicwithJason]

A, inntinneach. A bheil Indiana mòr? Fuar? Blàth?

[@Seumas-MacDhaibhidh]

@@GaelicwithJason tha, an indiana fuar anns a gheamhradh, agus blàth anns an earrach agus samhradh.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@Seumas-MacDhaibhidh Inntinneach. Tha Maine blàth as t-earrach is as t-samhradh cuideachd.

[@rosinajohnston5804]

@@GaelicwithJason thankyou Jason for making gaelic more easy to understand. Im learning Gaelic on duolingo but Im struggling. You are a breath of fresh air.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear, @@rosinajohnston5804. I am glad you're here with us. What is a struggle for you right now?

[@jadacra]

at 6:19 you almost said the letter H the scottish way like haich

[@GaelicwithJason]

I do that sometimes! Certain Scottisms slip into my English and I thoroughly enjoy when that happens. It took me awhile to say 'herb' in the American way again. :)

[@jadacra]

@@GaelicwithJason im from glasgow and my girlfriend is from florida, she finds the way we say H and J hilarious for some reason

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@jadacra Your J sound....as in "j-eye"?

[@jadacra]

@@GaelicwithJason yeah, haich and j-eye

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@jadacra Those are just fun! The way we Yanks say them are boring. :)

[@19blueyes69]

Madainn math! Cimara tha shib, a thidsear? Tha mi a Arizona.

[@19blueyes69]

That doesn't look right.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Tha mi gu math, tapadh leat. Tha mi toilichte an-diugh. :)

[@GaelicwithJason]

I would say: "Ciamar a tha sibh, a thidseir?" You were very close. Nice job!

[@19blueyes69]

@@GaelicwithJason Tapadh leat, a thidseir.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@19blueyes69 'S e do bheatha! You're welcome.

[@danpictish5457]

Brilliant job Jason. Your very positive, enthusiastic and a great teacher. I'm over here in Airth Scotland and tuning into your dynamic presentation often. Tapadh leat! Don't forget to let the Gaidhlig flow.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Tapadh leibh, Dan! Thank you for your kind words.

[@danpictish5457]

@@GaelicwithJason oops sorry, my spelling tha dona

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@danpictish5457 It happens. My spelling in English can be rough around the edges at times. :)

[@danpictish5457]

@@GaelicwithJason That's a very gracious reply Jason. You're very kind.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@danpictish5457 Thank you. Realistic too. Mistakes happen to everyone, even native speakers. :)

[@ItIsJustJudy]

Tha mi à Illinois. I am really getting into your videos. I, too, lived in Alba. I have been wanting to learn more of my ancestors’ ancient language, but never found any decent resources until I found your channel. I do have books, but you make learning Gaelic engaging. Bruce Guthro was the singer from Cape Breton. Donnie Munro was the original singer, who hailed from Skye. Runrig. ✌🏻Woot.

[@GaelicwithJason]

I enjoy Donnie's voice too. The Gaelic songs they did were amazing and what drew me to Gàidhlig in the first place. I didn't know the language existed before then. 🙂 Glad to hear you're enjoying the videos! I agree - books are nice but the lack of human interaction/energy is noticeable. Come back any time! I will support you however you can as you connect more with your ancestors. Take care, stay safe, and talk to you soon!

[@ketobarbelle8051]

I love these lessons. It seems like I'm starting to understand without having to convert every single word to English in my head now. I absolutely love that you brought Runrig into the lesson! They are one of my favorite bands. I can't wait to learn to say "Malcolm Jones is the god of all things guitar" in Gaelic! 🤣

[@charliefoxtrotindigo6793]

Tha mi à Sasainn, ach chan eil mi á Liverpool. ‘S ann à Oxford a tha mi!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Glè mhath! A bheil Oxford inntinneach?

[@charliefoxtrotindigo6793]

Tha! Tha Oxford inntinneach agus breagha.

[@GaelicwithJason]

@@charliefoxtrotindigo6793 Glè mhath. :) Tha oilthigh brèagha ann an Oxford cuideachd. I was looking at their Old Norse courses way back when. Maybe one day...

[@jackbailey3529]

I'm planning on joining your course, as I'm finding your course really helpful and I've already started being able to read my families old heirlooms like badges and pocket watches which have Gaelic inscriptions in them

[@GaelicwithJason]

Wonderful to hear, Jack! That's quite an accomplishment. Glè mhath! 🙂 It would be great to see you on the Foundations course. It'll definitely get you reading more and thinking more in Gaelic. Take care and stay safe!

[@johannkassim9330]

Co as a tha mi? Tha mi a Borneo (Malaysia) - What's that in Gaelic? Tha na craobhan, beanntan, agus na traighean tha gle bhreagha anns Malaysia. Dh'fuirich mi Singapore, Australia, agus Greece. Tha Borneo gle mhor an coimeas ri Singapore.

[@user-dg7st6io1c]

You have no idea how this is helpful, I tried a lot of methods to reclaim my grandfather language ( he was from the outer Hebrides but emigrated to Canada ) but everything was painful and slow. Your method on the other hand is so instinctive and easy that is almost like magic (wink wink!) Once I'm done with your videos I'm gonna get some private lessons for sure!

[@GaelicwithJason]

"almost like magic" - excellent! That's what I'm going for. I'm glad you enjoyed it and it would be great to have private lessons sometime. Just drop me a message when the time is right. I have a contact form on my website: gaelicwithjason.thinkific.com

[@tobyfischr]

You are such a good teacher! I have just started learning Gaelic. I am from Glasgow in Scotland and thought it might be nice to know the language my family used to speak. Your videos are so easy to understand and it makes it really fun! Thank you so much.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Great to hear, Toby! I'm glad you enjoyed it. 🙂 Take care and I hope your week goes well.

[@walterdamico2139]

Dude, I´m from Argentina, so... I speak spanish, as you know... and your lessons are excellent, my friend. I understood perfectly!! Tnaks!!!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Great to hear, Walter! Thanks for watching. I'm glad you're here! 🙂 Take care and stay safe.

[@westmichiganbard]

Tha mi à Michigan. Tha iomadh craobhan glè bhrèagha anns am Michigan, agus tha traighean glè bhrèagha anns am Michigan, ach chan eil beanntan an-seo. Tha iomadh lochan agus eileanan glè bhrèagha againn. Tha toil agam a dh'fhaicinn Maine uair no uaireigin. (Any corrections to grammar that I may have muddled up are welcome).

[@GaelicwithJason]

Nice work here, a charaid! If these suggestions are useful to you, I'd suggest: *iomadh craobh (iomadh is followed by single things. It's like saying 'many a tree' or 'many a lake'.) *ann am Michigan (an -> am before Ms. This makes it easier to say.) *Bu toil leam Maine fhaicinn. (I would like to see Maine) Chòrd seo rium! I enjoyed this. :) Take care and enjoy the day. I hope it's a pleasant one over there in Michigan.

[@thomasmcmanus3560]

I found you through Findlay MacLeoid of the Moray language centre and I am so glad. I find it a little amusing that I find myself living in Scotland learning Gaelic from an American! I listened to the first 2 sessions last night and woke this morning telling my wife how the cat was on the roof and wanted the fish! I am now following your lesson full time. Great teaching method, great delivery. I look forward to speaking my native tongue in Scotland. The worry I have and it's been with me for years, is when I reach fluency and try to find people in Scotland to speak with, I fail because so few speak the language on the mainland. I'll deal with that when I get there. Thanks for being here and keep doing what you do, I feel your enthusiasm in your lessons.

[@shirleycurtis-summers3750]

Hi Jason. Just a note to give a huge thank you for these fantastic videos. I've just started to learn Scots Gaelic (mostly for my research) so no sentences yet. I've visited Islay a few times and would love to do their Gaelic course, would you recommend something like that for a beginner? In the meantime, mòran taing! P.S. great to hear you mention Metallica and Runrig :-)

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Fellow Metallica and Runrig fan. :) Lovely to hear from you and that you've been on Islay a few times. It's a special part of the world. I don't know much about their Gaelic course - is there a website with more info? For a beginner, I'd recommend getting some basics under your belt first. My videos on here will do that for sure, especially these Gaelic Foundations ones. With some Gàidhlig already in your mind, you'd get more out of any formal class.

[@shirleycurtis-summers3750]

@@GaelicwithJason Thanks for your reply Jason. I know Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle (the Columba Centre Islay) used to do short courses in Gàidhlig but I can't find any information for the centre now. However, I'm really enjoying your videos and I'd like to do your beginners course too. I've just bought your 'Ròna agus MacCodruim' book in readiness for when I get more proficient :-) Latha math dhut!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Sgoinneil, @@shirleycurtis-summers3750! Great to have you on the Foundations course with us. :) Hoping your weekend has been a pleasant one. Tìoraidh!

[@sham7305]

Where does the P sound come from in Alba

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Sham. 🙂 That P sound is actually the B - it's halfway between a B and a P. I tend to emphasize it a bit while teaching because many learners don't hear the full sound. When they see a B they say B instead of B with a hint of P - like Coke with a twist of lime. Does that help at all?

[@tarushdei]

I've seen Ghàidhlig spelt without that initial "h", i.e. Gàidhlig, is this just a regional difference in spelling, or did those other places spell it wrong?

[@uwegoldschmidt7575]

hallo Jason! i`m from germany and i looked a long time for a way to learn correct scots gaelic from the very begining, for thats not quite easy over here in germany. And I am so glad to have found your videos and you are doing a great job!!!

[@frankhodgson528]

What song from Cape Breton were you humming?

[@vlokkie1600]

Learning Gaelic has been on my bucket list for a while now. So glad I found your video's. At least one day when I move from Cape Town back to Scotland to my wee hoose in the hills I will be able to converse with the locals. Thanks for helping make this possible. You are amazing. Thank you.

[@GaelicwithJason]

My pleasure, Susan, and thank you for your kind words. There are plenty of videos here to boost your Gaelic and surprise the locals when you head back into the hills! 🙂 Take care and enjoy your day.

[@uwegoldschmidt7575]

hallo Jason! Can you help? I don`t understand when an t-iasg is used and when an eisg.

[@eilidhhall6630]

Loving the videos, but what is the song he hummed?

[@kylemcclellan9686]

Love your videos! I'm a little confused about one thing in this one though. You wrote that "a's" means "from the" but also that "na" means the. So wouldn't " tha mi a's na statean Aonaichte" translate to "I am from the the United States"?

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Kyle. Thanks very much. Yes, it does mean that. Perhaps this would help: any little word like in, on, from, etc needs to match the thing its describing. So if we're talking about The United States, 'from' needs to reflect that it's THE US. So it becomes 'às'. Does that clarify it a bit?

[@philiptruitt]

Thank you, Jason!! Good recovery on the Beatles!

[@GaelicwithJason]

Tapadh leat, Philip! I was going to get it wrong again on purpose as a joke but then thought again. Maybe it'll be a running joke in future videos...

[@1ninjatiger]

Hi Jason, do you plan on coming back to Scotland to teach? The Scottish Government has a big push on just now re Gaelic and Gaelic teachers are in short supply. I live in Clackmannanshire and there are very few Gaelic speakers here.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Heya! Feasgar math dhut. 🙂 That's a good question. It really depends on where and when. My experience of working in a Scottish high school for 5 years was that exam marks were far more important than competency in the language. Based on that experience, I feel I'm more useful doing things on my own. But you never know...

[@happytraveller8953]

Hey Jason--I may have asked this already in a previous post (but it was more than 5 minutes ago...) but is there a hard a fast rule about when to lenite and then it isn't needed? I've seen what appears to be some inconsistency on this...thanks in advance.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Hi Mary Lou. Yes, there are many times lenition comes into play - too many to list in this comment. Is there an example or two that I can clarify for you just now?

[@JM-gu3tx]

Please explain the first few seconds of "Good day to you." Thank you.

[@GaelicwithJason]

Happy to, Ian. What would you like explained?

[@rylanstudios1]

I can’t ever say correct right in Gaelic

[@1830mof]

At about 5.20 mins we seem to be saying that you are from "the the united states" (Tha mi as = i am from the) or am I getting too litteral? :-)

[@GaelicwithJason]

Goodness, you have eagle eyes! Yes, translating each word out will sometimes result in that. Perhaps it would be helpful to think of it as the noun and the 'to the' lining up or agreeing with one another? 🙂

[@alistaircameron8805]

Classy stuff, Jason! Tha mi a alba (a Glaschu) ach tha mi ann an Leodhas a-nis. We were walking in a remote area of Lewis called Am Pairc when we heard an old farmer calling to his sheepdog “Thig air ais thugam!” ...Bha mi toilichte gu bheil a’ Ghaidhlig beo... Tha sibh ceart gu leor, a thidseir. Tha mi ceithir fichead s’ a h-ann ach tha mi ag ionnsachadh fhathast. Tapadh leibh!

[@GaelicwithJason]

'S e do bheatha, Alasdair! Is toil leam Leòdhas gu mòr! That's right, there is a whole world of sheepdog commands in Gaelic. I think there are televised trials on BBC Alba still? How wonderful that you heard that fellow using them himself. Beannachd leat, a charaid!

[@margaretmaclure6164]

I love watching and learning from you and I’ve already learn a bit good for me lol 😂

[@GaelicwithJason]

Excellent to hear, Margaret! 🙂

[@HeyYou992]

So, "an" as in "an taigh" is the, and "na" as in "na staiten aonaichte" is the. When is one used in place of the other? Is one used for generic things like country, boat, store, and one used for specific things like America, titanic, walmart? btw, these videos are great, very clear and easy to grasp. I will be one week into learning Scottish Gaelic as of tomorrow.

[@GaelicwithJason]

"Clear and easy to grasp" - just what I'm aiming to do. Excellent! Well done on your first week. How does it feel? There's a slight different between 'an' and 'na'. NA is for 3+ of something. It's also part of the phrase 'of the' but I wouldn't worry about that just now. AN, on the other hand, is for 1-2 of things and will appear before anything starting with T,D,L,N,R: an taigh an doras (the door) an leann (the beer) an neas (the weasel) an rìoghachd (the kingdom) I think I'll make a video that explains these forms of THE a bit more deeply. Would that be useful to you, Levi?

[@HeyYou992]

@@GaelicwithJason Thanks for the response. this helps to clear it up. After a couple of weeks I can catch a handful of words in some Gaelic videos. Words like agus, ach, uisge, cu. It's also getting easier to tell where one word starts and the next one begins. I had never fully realized how often a native speaker of any language will run a whole sentence's worth of words into one steady stream of syllables. A video focusing on THE would be great. I'd really appreciate it.

[@GaelicwithJason]

That's a good point: a sentence can feel like one long word. How cool that you're starting to see the gaps between words and such. Excellent! Keep going!

[@deanworsley2244]

Sassain = Sassenach = Englishman

[@GaelicwithJason]

Just like that. Glè mhath! 🙂