Jeff Justice

Descended from Scottish Highlanders who emigrated to Ireland (before leaving for the US in the 1800s, during An Gorta Mór), Jeff feels a particular pull towards the Celtic cultures and their languages. Learning Irish allows him to connect with his ancestral past, as well as to indulge his overall love for languages.

Jeff began studying Irish on his own before taking an evening class in Scotland, and then an online course at the start of the pandemic. Eventually one of his friends, a fluent Irish speaker, recommended Let’s Learn Irish. Since then, he’s enjoyed the cultural activities offered with Let’s Learn Irish, as well as the community around them. Jeff’s goal is to become fluent in Irish and be able to give back to educational programs that got him there (read more about Jeff’s language journey here).

Cé Thusa?

Ainm: Jeff Justice

Áit/Location: Texas, Na Stáit Aontaithe (USA)

Leibhéal/Level: A2 Elementary

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

Slí Beatha/Occupation: Ollamh/Professor

Am ag foghlaim Gaeilge/Time learning Irish: Dhá bhliain/Two years

Caithimh Aimseartha/Hobbies: Teangacha/Languages

Cad is Fearr Leat?

Ceol/Music: Ceol Ceilteach/Celtic music

Amhrán/Song: ‘Croí Cróga’ agus ‘Farewell Love’, le Clannad

Bia/Food: Haggis

Deoch/Drink: Guinness

Scannán/Film: The Silence of the Lambs

Clár Teilifíse/TV Show: An Nuacht

Leabhar/Book: Dune

Ainmhí/Animal: Cait (Cats)

Laoch/Hero: Mo thuismitheóirí (My parents)

Áit in Éirinn/Place in Ireland: Baile Átha Cliath

Frása Gaeilge/Irish phrase: Aon scéal?

Miotaseolaíocht/Irish Mythology: The Fenian Cycle

Seanfhocal/Proverb: Drink is a curse. It makes you shoot at your landlord … and miss!

Mana saoil/Life motto: If you stop, you’ll just have to start up again.

Comhairle d’fhoghlaimeoirí nua/Advice for new learners of Irish: Practice every day. Keep at it. Don’t worry about making mistakes. Connect with Irish speaking groups and use your Irish, even if it’s just a few words.