Discover Manx Gaelic with Culture Vannin’s free 6-week course: “Blass – A Taste of Manx”!
Discover Manx Gaelic with Culture Vannin’s free 6-week course: “Blass – A Taste of Manx”!
Are you curious about the Manx language and keen to learn more? Then there’s a course for you! Culture Vannin is delighted to invite adult beginners to join in with a FREE six-week introductory course: Blass: A Taste of Manx.
This friendly, fun, and welcoming course will offer participants the opportunity to learn useful, everyday phrases, explore the fascinating history of Manx, and discover the language that is all around us through place names and common words. Whether you’ve been here all your life, or are new to the Island, Blass (Manx for ‘taste’) will help you to begin your journey into the Manx language.
The courses will start week beginning 2nd March for in-person sessions, with the online course starting at the beginning of March. There are three time slots to choose from:
- Tuesday lunchtimes – 1.10pm–1.50pm at Douglas City Hall
- Wednesday evenings – 7pm–8pm at Culture Vannin, St John’s
- Thursday evenings – 7pm–8pm online via Zoom
No prior knowledge is required to join the taster course and adult participants aged 16+ are very welcome. You can sign up via www.learnmanx.com or by phoning 694753.
These 6-week courses are taking place as part of Blein ny Gaelgey, Year of the Manx Language; a year-long celebration of Manx, which aims to encourage more people to hear, see and use the language in their everyday lives. Throughout the year, special events, activities and learning opportunities are taking place to highlight that Manx is a living community language which belongs to everyone.
The Manx language is one of six Celtic languages, and is closely related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic. Manx has been spoken continuously in the Island for over 1,500 years, and is available to learn in all state schools in the Island – it’s one of our Island’s greatest success stories.
People choose to learn Manx for many reasons. For some, it is about reconnecting with family roots and identity. For others, it is the joy of discovering a new language in a supportive environment. Whatever your reason for learning, we also know that language learning helps brain health, and boosts our memory, confidence and cultural awareness. Many learners have told us that exploring Manx deepens their appreciation of local place-names, traditions, music and folklore. Even learning a few phrases can open doors to new friendships and experiences.
Learning Manx is not only a way to connect with the Island’s past, but also to take part in its future. Whether you’re on the Island, or reading this article from further afield, you are warmly welcome to come along and join in one of the Blass courses – bee failt mooar ort; there’ll be great welcome on you! More taster courses will also be available in the autumn.
For more information and to sign up, visit www.learnmanx.com or call 694753.
