Letter: First steps in Gaelic grammar

THERE was much consternation about the alleged plan to have Gaelic signs in the National Galleries (News, 13 February).

I couldn't understand why Mr Hugh Andrew of publishers Birlinn (Gaelic word) thinks that "Gaelic doesn't even have a modern grammar". What does he mean? A book - there are plenty - or a grammatical system?

All living languages by definition have a system that is current, therefore modern. The best use of Gaelic funding might be to educate the ignorant, like Mr Andrew, about Gaelic, as a necessary first step.

Ronald MacLean, Beauly

I AM an Irish medical student who has visited Scotland several times with friends. I was impressed with an exhibition with signs in Gidhlig in Glasgow.

I would be far more likely to visit and recommend a visit to any institution that promotes the language.

Comments on Gidhlig not having a modern grammar and on there being no demand for Gidhlig services (disproved in the previous sentence) are as unattractive as they are ignorant.

Eoin Murch, Baile tha Cliath (Dublin]