Alasdair MacMhaighstir Alasdair lived and worked in the 18th century, and is widely regarded as one of the finest ever Gaelic poets. He was also first cousin to Flora MacDonald, and directly involved in the events of 1745 and its aftermath. His most famous work was an epic poem which describes a difficult sea voyage from Locheynort in South Uist to Carrickfergus in Ireland. It is entitled, ‘Birlinn Chlann Raghnaill’ (The Birlinn of Clan Ranald), and, this year, it has been given a new and lively translation by Professor Alan Riach, of the department of Scottish Literature in Strathclyde University.
Alan will be coming to South Uist to read from his translation and talk about the description and drama of the poem. Come along and hear him at 7 pm, Tuesday 19th July at Kildonan Museum, where a replica of a birlinn sits outside the museum. Bill Innes will also be taking part, and reading some of the original poem in Gaelic.
The summer issue of NATECLA’s journal “Language Issues” takes a look at Community Languages, and features an article on Guthan nan Eilean/Island Voices by Gordon Wells. “Sharing Gaelic Voices: Peatcutting in Polish or Surfing in Sindhi?” can be viewed as a Gaelic-focussed companion to, and update of, the 2012 project description (written from an ESOL point of view) in the British Council’s “Innovations in ELT for Migrants and Refugees”.
Professor Conchúr Ó Giollagáin of the University of the Highlands and Islands, and the Soillse inter-university research network, adds another perspective: “Guthan nan Eilean may also be seen as creative initial steps in an emerging agenda of documentation of natural language… The project demonstrates how the community of speakers can take a pro-active and productive role… in this vital task.”
Regular readers will have noticed that a “Peatcutting in Polish” video already exists, as an example of the potential for “re-purposing” that is among the issues discussed in the article.
Perhaps more examples will be forthcoming in the months ahead?
A copy of the article has been added to the Island Voices Research/Reports page, with the kind agreement of NATECLA.
It can also be accessed here.
2018 Update: The number of languages featured in Island Voices films is now into double figures! Check our Other Tongues page.