Gàidhlig

Gàidhlig, or Scottish Gaelic, is a Goidelic language of the Celtic branch of the Indo-European language family. It originated in Scotland and has historically been spoken in the Highlands and the Western Isles. It is closely related to Irish (Gaeilge) and Manx (Gaelg) and forms one of the Goidelic languages. In the present day, Gaelic is spoken by a minority in Scotland, with strongest communities in the Outer and Inner Hebrides and the northern Highlands; there are also Gaelic-speaking communities in urban areas and a notable diaspora, especially in Nova Scotia, Canada.

Gàidhlig has several regional varieties, with differences in pronunciation, vocabulary, and grammar across areas such as the Outer Hebrides, Inner Hebrides, and the Scottish mainland. It is written with the Latin alphabet and uses diacritics called fada on vowels to indicate length and quality. The language uses traditional orthographic conventions that distinguish represented sounds through combinations of letters and diacritics.

Status and education: Gaelic is recognised as a minority language in the United Kingdom and as an official language of Scotland under the Gaelic Language Act. Public bodies develop Gaelic Language Plans, and Gaelic-medium education is provided in schools and early-years settings. Media in Gaelic includes television and radio produced by BBC Alba and MG Alba, as well as newspapers and online outlets.

Culture and revival: Gaelic has a long poetic and musical tradition, with contemporary literature, music, and theatre contributing to its ongoing vitality. Place-names, signage, and government usage reinforce daily presence in Gaelic-speaking areas and in communities of the Gaelic diaspora.

Population and outlook: Estimates of the number of Gaelic speakers vary, but tens of thousands in Scotland and abroad have some knowledge or daily use of the language. Ongoing initiatives aim to increase new speakers and intergenerational transmission.