Working Gaelic

In his thought-provoking article (18 October), Seonaidh Caimbeul asks if the Mod really encourages people to speak the Gaelic language.

The emphasis on music and poetry at the Mod reinforces the public perception that Gaelic is only for singing and verse.

Mr Caimbeul reports that An Comunn Gaidhealach is seen as “the main body which best represents the interests of the Gaelic language”. To its credit, An Comunn is an independent organisation, and not a government body. However, taken alone, the Mod is undermining whatever little public confidence Gaelic still retains, while the language has declined steadily throughout the lifetime of An Comunn.

Some years ago, a young Harris woman said to me of her language: “’S toigh leinn e, ach de’m feum a th’air?” (We like it, but what use is it?)

Gaelic will survive as a practical working language or not at all, and it is to be hoped An Comunn will engage in promoting the language more widely in everyday life, and not confine itself to a festival one week in the year.

Gaelic is not just for singing.

Richard A A Deveria

Market Street

Aberfeldy