NUI Galway Students’ Union have today launched their programme of Seachtain na Gaeilge events which runs until 18 March.
Open to the entire NUI Galway community and suitable for Irish speakers of all levels, the campaign aims to connect speakers whilst making the language accessible and fun for all.
Events taking place include virtual coffee mornings, yoga classes, bingo, a pop-up Gaeltacht and speed friending.
The Union of Students in Ireland (USI) is hosting a range of seminars examining topics like careers in the Irish language and a talk with Irish language activist Linda Ervine.
Students’ Union Oifigeach na Gaeilge Erin Mac An tSaoir said, “There has been a huge increase in interest in the Irish language over the pandemic with people trying to learn it for the first time or brush up on what they might have forgotten by using apps like Duolingo.
“Our own Irish language courses with Conradh na Gaeilge earlier this semester were fully booked with a long waiting list.
“It’s so heartening to see the growth of the Irish language at this time and the way people are using it to connect with each other whilst apart.”
Students’ Union Vice-President/Welfare and Equality Officer Róisín Nic Lochlainn added that NUI Galway is a bi-lingual University, “so we are delighted to have these events which show that the Irish language is a living, breathing part of our community.”
“We want everyone to feel welcome at these events and to get used to using Irish everyday – whether it’s in online lecturers, at a Pop-Up Gaeltacht, or while out for a socially distanced walk,” said Róisín.
