On-line learning is a great way to learn a language, but there’s no doubt that full immersion is one of the best ways to hone your language skills.
Fortunately, you don’t have to wait for some unknown rich uncle to leave you his millions for that dream trip to Ireland in order to experience a full immersion environment. In fact, Northern California residents and vistors will have a chance to do just that next weekend at the 14th annual San Francisco Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeltachta.
The event, which takes place at the United Irish Cultural Center, 2700 45th Ave. (at Sloat) in San Francisco, begins on Friday, September 28, at 6:00 p.m. and formally ends at 4:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 30 (though ceol, craic agus caint typically continues in the pub well into Sunday evening!)
Classes for all levels
The conversation-centered classes are based on the program offered at Oideas Gael in Donegal, and are available for learners of all levels, from absolute beginner to fluent speaker. The teachers are all native speakers and are arranged by Oideas Gael.
Between classes, learners have the chance to practice their Irish at meals (provided) and during the music sessions in the evenings.
A very special year!
This year is an especially good one to attend the DSG (as it’s affectionately known), for several reasons:
- Two special workshops will be offered on Saturday evening: “Lúibíní” (comic conversational songs), presented by Ray Mac Mánais for Levels 3 and 4, and “Cas Amhráin” (simple songs in Irish) for Levels 1 and 2 taught by Brían Ó Broin.
- There will be a free raffle for various Irish language goodies.
- Bitesize Irish Gaelic is sponsoring the event! That’s right — every registered attendee at this year’s DSG will receive a year’s subscription to Bitesize!
(Oh, and I’ll be there too, muddling happily along in Level 4. That’s special, right?).
Space still available!
There’s still space for students in all levels, so don’t be shy! For more information, call Nikki Ragsdale (Treoraí na Gaeilge, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, Cooley-Keegan Branch) at 510-881-5958 or e-mail cce_gaeilge@ccewest.org.
Have you attended an Irish immersion class or event?
If you’ve ever attended an Irish language immersion course or event, tell us about it below!