TikTokMar cheiliúradh ar Sheachtain na Gaeilge beidh cuid de na cruthaitheoirí Gaeilge is fearr linn a bhíonn ag teagasc na Gaeilge dá bpobal TikTok.
Shuigh muid le @irishwithmollie, múinteoir Gaeilge, chun foghlaim faoin ardán atá aici agus conas atá sí ag úsáid TikTok chun nathanna úsáideacha Gaeilge agus beannachtaí laethúla a mhúineadh dá pobal, mar shampla Aon scéal (any story?) Léigh tuilleadh faoinár gcomhrá thíos!
In celebration of Seachtain na Gaeilge we're featuring some of our favourite Irish-language creators who are teaching their TikTok communities all about the Irish language.
We sat with @irishwithmollie, an Irish language teacher, to learn about her platform and how she's using TikTok to help teach her community useful Irish phrases and everyday greetings, like Aon scéal (any story?) Read more about our chat below!
Q: What inspired you to start posting Irish tutorials on TikTok?
A [Irish]: Bhí sceideal plódaithe agam ag múineadh ranganna 1-1 agus bhí mé ag iarraidh teacht ar lucht féachana níos mó. Is bealach iontach é Tiktok chun an teanga a scaipeadh agus comhrá a spreagadh. Tríd is tríd, daonlathaíonn na meáin shóisialta an teanga agus ligeann sé rochtain níos fearr uirthi. Déanann sé an teanga a nuachóiriú agus nascann sé le mo spriocanna chun foghlaim na Gaeilge a dhéanamh níos éifeachtaí, níos bríonna agus níos ábhartha.
A [English translation]: I had a full schedule teaching 1-1 classes and wanted to reach a larger audience. TikTok is an amazing way to spread the language and inspire conversation. Social media in general democratises the language and makes it more accessible. It modernises the language and connects with my goals of making Irish learning more effective, more meaningful and more relevant.
Q: What's been the highlight of your TikTok journey so far?
A [Irish]: Is breá liom an rannpháirtíocht leis an oiread sin daoine ar fud an domhain a fheiceáil, daoine ag mothú spreagtha chun ár dteanga dhúchasach a athaimsiú, daoine ag tuiscint áilleacht agus tábhacht ár gcultúir, go háirithe déimeagrafach óg TikTok. Nuair a fhaigheann m’ábhar radharcanna víreasacha, mothaíonn sé iontach go bhfuil dúil ann ar ábhar meallacach Éireannach. Tá a lán le roinnt faoi cé chomh anamúil agus nasctha atá an Ghaeilge.
A [English translation]: I love to see the engagement with so many people worldwide, people feeling inspired to rediscover our indigenous language, people realising the beauty and importance of our culture, especially the young demographic of TikTok. When my content gets lots of views, it feels amazing that there is an appetite there for captivating Irish content. There is so much to share about how soulful and connecting Irish is.
Q: What advice would you give to people who are looking to learn Gaeilge, or improve their Irish?
A [Irish]: Chun an teanga a fhoghlaim, tá modh, meon agus spreagadh uainn. Ní chaithfidh tú a bheith i do Ghaeilgeoir, nó rugadh sa Ghaeltacht. Ní chaithfidh tú a bheith líofa. Is Gaeilgeoir thú nuair a fhoghlaimíonn tú an Ghaeilge agus nuair a bhaineann tú taitneamh aisti. Is leatsa í, an Ghaeilge. Bí foighneach leat féin, bí cineálta leat féin. Tá pobal agus féinmhuinín uait. Tá cursaí agam ar fáil - brisim síos gach gné. Ní bhíonn sé mar a bhí sé ar scoil!
A [English translation]: To learn the language, we need a method, a mindset and a motivation. You don’t have to be a Gaeilgeoir (Irish-speaker), or born in the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking area). You don’t have to be fluent. You are a Gaeilgeoir when you learn Irish and you enjoy it. Irish is yours. Be patient with yourself, be kind with yourself. You need community and confidence. I have courses available - I break down every aspect. It’s not how it was at school!
Q: What's your favourite TikTok you've made to date, and why?
A [Irish]: An ceann is fearr liom ná an ceann seo faoin “inward yes”. Níl focal againn as Gaeilge don “yes” nó “no”, ach d’aithin a lán daoine an fhuaim seo.
A [English translation]: The best one was this “inward yes” one. There is no word for “yes” or “no” in Irish but a lot of people recognised this sound.
Q: What other Irish-speaking creators are on your For You feed?
A: @joshuascottdavis, @weareblazer, @seanlynnmusic, @kailenkellymeade, @lastkingofulster, @stormasgaeilge, @seanohaodha1, @gaeilgelejane, @peascaeasca
Q: Can you share any memorable interactions or comments you've received on any recent Irish-speaking content?
A [Irish]: Faighim a lán tráchtanna as daoine ag rá go gcuireann mo fhíseáin i gcuimhne dóibh rudaí a dúirt a sinsir agus go cuireann sé áthas ar a gcroíthe!
A [English translation]: I get a lot of comments from people saying that my videos remind them of things their ancestors said and that it puts happiness in their hearts.
