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You Won’t Become Fluent in Irish With Duolingo
Despite its popularity, Duolingo has notable limitations compared with live online instruction. Technology can open access and build foundational skills for Irish learners, but it cannot replace the socially-embedded interaction of successful language learning. Recent research strongly suggests that Duolingo is most effective as a supporting tool rather than a standalone solution. App-based learning cannot provide the corrective feedback and sociolinguistic engagement of class instruction, conversation sessions, workshops or book club meetings.
20 of the Best Irish Language Films
Irish language films are experiencing something of a renaissance. With more films being made every decade and with greater budgets to work with, Gaeilge is finding its way to the screen with increasing fervor. The last few years have seen groundbreaking milestones achieved, from the 2022 movie An Cailín Ciúin (The Quiet Girl) becoming the first film in Irish to be awarded an Oscar nomination, to the breakout success of Kneecap and how it helped bring attention to the Irish language.
Na hOileáin Árann: A History of the Aran Islands
Finally, another part of the Aran Islands’ identity comes from being a Gaeltacht. Although Oliver Cromwell did arrive on the islands during his conquest of Ireland in the mid-17th century and set up a defensive fort there, he eventually left with his troops. The population of the islands increased afterwards, as some people from the mainland moved to the Aran Islands to escape the reach of the English. Because inhabitants were ultimately less harried by the colonizers, the Irish language was able to persist. Today, Irish remains the first language of the islands.
Turas Gaeilge: Finding Irish Through Community, Commitment and Certification!
Sarah Town reflects on a lifelong relationship with language, cultural exchange, and identity, tracing her journey into learning Irish. From online resources to immersive experiences in the Gaeltacht and taking the TEG exam, she explores how community, presence, and perseverance transform language learning from aspiration into lived experience.
