The 2024-2025 academic year has been a successful one for EURO’s new Irish language program. Instructor Elaine Ní Mhuirí, a Fulbright Irish Language Instructor, has instructed students in modern Irish language (Gaeilge) during both the fall and spring semesters.
When asked what makes EURO’s Irish language course stand out, Elaine had this to say:
“My Irish language class offers students a dynamic and interdisciplinary learning experience that goes beyond just grammar and vocabulary. We focus on practical communication skills, cultural immersion and the rich oral traditions of the Irish language. Through interactive exercises, music and folklore, students gain a deeper understanding of both the language and the culture that shapes it.
Our classes are designed to be engaging and accessible, even for complete beginners. We use a student-centered approach, incorporating group activities, role-playing and multimedia resources to build confidence in speaking, listening, reading and writing. By the end of the course, students can hold basic conversations in Irish, introduce themselves, discuss everyday topics and appreciate the historical and cultural significance of the language in Ireland today.”
Elaine added that learning Gaeilge is important because “It connects students to a rich linguistic heritage that is still very much alive. The Irish language offers a unique way of thinking and expressing ideas, shaped by centuries of storytelling and poetry.”
“Learning Gaeilge is not just about acquiring a new skill,” she added, "it's about engaging with Ireland’s cultural identity and understanding the resilience of a language that continues to thrive in modern society.”
Here are some highlights from Elaine’s students:
What are your favourite parts of Irish class?
- Speaking practice & hands on cultural activities
- Conversation exercises, aural exercises, music, guest speakers
- “I Love how tight-knit we are as a class. Everyone makes mistakes and it’s okay – which is rare to feel in a course. I also appreciate how on the spot learning is. We have to challenge ourselves to keep up. I also just love this class and will miss it dearly.”
- “I like the music & cultural connections to what we’re learning. I also really enjoy the English words/phrases we get from Irish. I just love this class in general.”
- Learning about culture; practicing vocab.
What is your favourite part about learning Irish in general?
- The good spirit between teacher & students
- The vocabulary & seanfhocail (proverbs)
- “I love that I am learning something completely new to me and that I genuinely feel better off for it. It makes me feel connected – however little Irish I have in me.”
- The ability to connect more deeply with Irish culture, especially Irish language, music, movies/TV, social media.
- The mind-bending experience of coming to terms with a grammar so different from English. Also, the surprising links between Irish and English culture.
In the future, EURO hopes to expand offerings in Irish language and culture through a dedicated Irish Studies program. This program would “bring together faculty, staff, and students from across the university who are dedicated to the academic study of Ireland”.
Irish language will continue to be offered this fall with the course name EURO-G 100 for beginner Irish and EURO-W 100 for intermediate Irish. We encourage you to reach out to euroinst@iu.edu to learn more about studying Irish language with the European Studies department!