Patrick O'Connor
Mar 33 min
Updated: Apr 18
The "An Ghaeilge: Seoid Luachmhar agus Cuid dár gCultúr" (Irish: A Precious Jewel and Part of Our Culture) section of the Leaving Cert Irish Oral is your opportunity to express your thoughts on the value and importance of the Irish language. This guide will provide you with essential vocabulary, example phrases, and practice tips to confidently discuss your views on the Irish language in Irish.
Need extra help visualizing how to discuss technology confidently in Irish? Our An Ghaeilge video guide walks you through everything you need to know!
An Ghaeilge (Irish)
Teanga ár sinsear (The language of our ancestors)
Seoid luachmhar (A precious jewel)
Cuid dár gcultúr (Part of our culture)
Tá sé tábhachtach (It is important)
Cóir dúinn é a chothabháil (We should protect it)
Ní labhraíonn aon duine é mar aon teanga eile (No one speaks it as their only language)
Tá sé i mbaol (It is in danger)
"Is teanga álainn í an Ghaeilge agus tá bród orm í a bheith agam." (Irish is a beautiful language and I am proud to have it.)
"Tá sé tábhachtach an Ghaeilge a chothabháil mar is cuid dár gcultúr í." (It is important to protect Irish because it is part of our culture.)
"Tá a lán dúshlán ag an Ghaeilge, ach tá súil agam go mbeidh sí ann i gcónaí." (Irish faces many challenges, but I hope it will always be here.)
Choose Your Angle: Consider whether you want to focus on the value of Irish culture, the challenges facing the language, or both.
Prepare Personal Stories: Share stories about your own experiences with Irish, whether it's learning the language, using it in your community, or simply appreciating its beauty.
Be Passionate: Show your enthusiasm for the Irish language and its importance to you. Your passion will be contagious!
Practice Answering Questions: Think of likely questions like "Why is Irish important?" or "What can we do to protect Irish?" and prepare your answers.
1. Embrace the Culture: Immerse yourself in Irish-speaking environments, listen to Irish music, watch TG4, and engage with Irish language social media. This cultural immersion will enrich your understanding and appreciation of the language.
2. Practice, Practice, Practice: Engage in conversation as much as possible. Use language apps, join conversation circles, and practice with classmates. Remember, fluency comes from practice, not just study.
3. Understand the Topics: Be familiar with the topics likely to come up in the exam, such as family, school, hobbies, and future plans. Have a range of vocabulary and phrases ready for each.
4. Listen to the Language: Listening to native speakers helps with pronunciation and intonation. Use online resources, radio stations, and TV programs to tune your ear to the language's nuances.
5. Stay Positive and Confident: Confidence is key in oral exams. Believe in your ability to communicate and let your personality shine through.
As we consider the importance of An Ghaeilge in our lives and education, it's clear that the Leaving Cert Irish Oral exam is much more than a test; it's a celebration of Irish culture, history, and identity. Let's approach this exam not just as students, but as custodians of a precious cultural heritage that we are proud to carry forward. An Ghaeilge is indeed a seoid luachmhar — a valuable jewel in the crown of Irish culture, and it's our duty and privilege to ensure it continues to shine brightly for generations to come.