Gaeliclanguage

Gaelic language refers to a group of Goidelic languages within the Celtic branch of the Indo-European family. The two best-known varieties are Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) and Irish Gaelic (Gaeilge). A related, but separate, language is Manx Gaelic (Gaelg), which has undergone revival after a period of decline. The term Gaelic is often used in English to refer to these languages collectively.

Origins and distribution: Gaelic developed from Old Irish in the medieval period and spread along the western fringes of Ireland and Scotland. Scottish Gaelic is spoken in parts of the Highlands and Islands and remains a core part of regional culture. Irish Gaelic is spoken in the Gaeltacht regions of Ireland and is taught more widely in schools and universities, often supported by media and cultural programs.

Writing and linguistic features: All Gaelic varieties are written in the Latin alphabet and use distinct orthographies. Irish Gaelic features initial consonant mutations known as séimhiú and other orthographic conventions that reflect historic pronunciations. Scottish Gaelic orthography differs in conventions for vowels and consonants. Modern Gaelic literature, journalism, and education rely on standardized grammars and dictionaries to support literacy and learning.

Status and revival: Both Scottish Gaelic and Irish Gaelic have official recognition in their respective jurisdictions and receive institutional support. Gaelic-medium education and immersion programs, alongside dedicated media and broadcasting—such as BBC Alba in Scotland and TG4 in Ireland—support language transmission. While Gaelic-speaking communities remain minority languages, ongoing revival efforts emphasize education, community use, and cultural promotion, aiming to sustain and grow their presence in public life.