Próifíl: Bríd Lin

I have been learning Gaeilge for three years and have found it to be a cornerstone for me as it has helped me to define my identity. It has also given me a way to connect to the broader Irish culture and my beliefs and values. It is through Irish that I discovered my understanding of my own ethics and moral compass, it helped me to connect with and develop my own sense of culture and belonging and helped me to find others that are like minded. It also helped me to develop my own identity in politics and activism and it is a lens through which I discovered and grew my spiritual practice.

All in all, learning Gaeilge helped me to connect more authentically to who I am and gave me a way to connect with others who also live the soul of the Irish language. The community of Irish learners has welcomed me and given me ways to connect with them too, which has been a great experience in building community all over the world.

I believe that language is more than just a formula for communication, but a window that offers insight into how other cultures observe and and experience the world. It is language that gives us insight into the pillars of a culture and what the people who speak that language find valuable in each other and the world around them. To me the soul of the Irish language is one of freedom, revolution, honoring the untamable wildness and appreciating the beauty that exists in each of us and the world around us.

It has been a wonderful journey and one that I am excited to continue!

Cé Thusa?

Ainm/Name: Bríd Lin

Áit/Location: Fredericksburg, VA

Leibhéal/Level: A2 Elementary

Ról sa Chomhphobal/Role in the Community: Foghlaimeoir/Learner

Slí Beatha/Occupation: Múinteoir

Am ag foghlaim Gaeilge/Time learning Irish: Trí bliana

Caithimh Aimseartha/Hobbies:
Ag éisteacht le ceol, ag siúl sléibhte

Cad is Fearr Leat?

Ceol/Music: Kneecap

Amhrán/Song: “NFWMB” by Hozier

Bia/Food: Bia Seapáinis

Deoch/Drink: Bubble tea

Scannán/Film: Lord of the Rings

Clár Teilifíse/TV Show: Crá

Podchraoladh/Podcast: Ní podchraoladh é, ach is breá liom a bheith ag éisteacht le Raidio na Gaeltachta.

Leabhar/Book: “Gathering Moss” by Robin Wall Kimmerer

Ainmhí/Animal: Seabhac

Laoch(ra)/Hero(es): People who fight for freedom and for the protection of the vulnerable.

Áit in Éirinn/Place in Ireland: Uisneach

Frása Gaeilge/Irish Phrase: Tiocfaidh ár lá

Miotaseolaíocht/Irish Mythology: Scéalta ó na Tuatha Dé

Seanfhocal/Proverb: Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.

Mana saoil/Life motto: Do thuras, do shaol.

Comhairle d’fhoghlaimeoirí nua/Advice for new learners of Irish:
Beatha teanga í a labhairt! Whatever Gaeilge you have, speak it! Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Immerse yourself in the language as much as you can. The more you hear the sounds of the language, the easier it will be for you to feel comfortable with them and the quicker your own comfort with speaking those sounds will come.

Bígí páirteach!
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