Maraon le ceol, amhrĂĄnaĂocht agus damhsa, is cuid lĂĄrnach de chultĂșr Chraobh Chualann Ă an Ghaeilge. InsĂonn an gearrscann seo âĂ chur le chĂ©ileâ scĂ©al na Gaeilge I gCraobh Chualann agus conas mar a dâfhĂĄs an teanga de bharr na gluaiseachta âLe ChĂ©ileâ.
Alongside music, singing and dance, the Irish language is a central part of the culture of Craobh Chualann. This short film âĂ chur le chĂ©ileâ tells the story of Irish in Craobh Chualann and how the language has grown thanks to an initiative called âLe ChĂ©ileâ.
The Le Chéile Irish Language movement is based on a number of observations, principles, strategies and a sequence of initiatives that has the purpose of placing the Irish Language at the centre of all activities at Craobh Chualann.
It was observed that while many facets of Irish culture, including music, singing and dancing, was thriving, the Irish Language was being spoken by only a small minority at the club.
Many of our young members are attending local Gaelscoileanna and Gael CholĂĄistĂ but that this was not reflected in the amount of Gaeilge being spoken at Craobh Chualann. A survey was conducted in order to determine whether members were interested in the spoken language and in fostering its use as a spoken language at Craobh Chualann.
Following very encouraging findings an Irish Language programme was planned and initiated, to make Gaeilge a commonly spoken language in the club.
This programme was intended to be inclusive of all members at Craobh Chualann who had an interest in learning and speaking Irish regardless of level, age or background.
With funding from CCĂ, Foras Na Gaeilge and financial and teaching personnel input from Craobh Chualann the following initiatives were undertaken:
1. A new book of beginners Irish was prepared and published. A book catering for more advanced Irish speakers, Focal ar Fhocal, by PĂĄdraig Ă MaolchiarĂĄin, a previous member, and published by CCE was incorporated into the programme.
2. Free Irish speaking classes at various levels were started for members.
3. Teachers were encouraged to use Gaeilge as well as English in instrumental, singing and dancing classes.
4. An CultĂșrlann, home to Craobh Chualann on Friday evenings, was decorated internally with popups as Gaeilge. Colourful T-shirts and badges with Irish Language proverbs and sayings were utilised.
5. Nationally known Irish presenters, musicians, singers and dancers were invited to Craobh Chulainn for nights of music, song , dance and fun as Gaeilge with full participation by members.
6. Young members volunteered to be ambassadors for the language and to initiate conversations through Irish.
The programme is designed to be inclusive, non-judgemental and for all members regardless of age, background or nationality. The movement is not exclusive and the use of English and any other language are also welcomed.
Ar scåth a chéile a mhairimid.