Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 - University of Glasgow

Gaelic Language Plan2012 - 2017

University of Glasgow Gaelic Language Plan 2012 – 2017

“The University of Glasgow recognises that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, national identity and cultural life”

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Foreword

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This Gaelic Language Plan has been prepared under section 3 of the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005and was approved by Bòrd na Gàidhlig on 10th December 2012.

ForewordThe University of Glasgow recognises that Gaelic is an integral part of Scotland’s heritage, national identity and cultural life. We are committed to the objectives set out in the National Plan for Gaelic and have put in place appropriate structures, initiatives and activities which will assist us in making a significant contribution to the future sustainability of Gaelic in Scotland.

I am delighted that The University of Glasgow has made an important contribution to the on-going regeneration of Gaelic in Scotland since the early 20th century, most significantly through our department of Celtic and Gaelic. The University aspires to build on that contribution going forward and welcomes the opportunity to prepare its first formal Gaelic Language Plan which outlines our intended commitments to Gaelic between 2012 – 2017.

We recognise that the position of Gaelic is fragile and, in order to revitalise Gaelic as a living language in Scotland, a concerted effort is required on the part of government, the public and private sectors, community organisations and individual speakers in order to:

• enhance the status of Gaelic

• promote the acquisition and learning of Gaelic

• encourage the increased use of Gaelic.

We are committed to playing our part in that.

Our Gaelic Language Plan has been prepared in accordance with statutory criteria set out in the Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 20051 and with regard to the National Plan for Gaelic 2012 – 2017.

Prof Anton Muscatelli

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, University of Glasgow

1 The Gaelic Language (Scotland) Act 2005 was passed by the Scottish Parliament with a view to securing the status of the Gaelic language as an official language of Scotland commanding equal respect to the English language. One of the key features of the 2005 Act is the provision enabling Bòrd na Gàidhlig to require public bodies to prepare Gaelic Language Plans. This provision was designed to ensure that the public sector in Scotland plays its part in creating a sustainable future for Gaelic by raising its status and profile and creating practical opportunities for its use.

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Contents

The University of GlasgowGlasgow G12 8QQGeneral switchboardtelephone +44 (0)141 330 2000www.glasgow.ac.uk© University of Glasgow 2012 The University of Glasgow, charity number SC004401

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ContentsForeword 1Summary 3

1. Introduction 1.1 Overview of the University of Glasgow 51.2 Gaelic in Scotland and the City of Glasgow 6

2. Current Provision for Gaelic 2.1 Academic Provision 92.2 The Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte 122.3 The Language Centre 122.4 Gaelic Language Initiative 13

3. Commitments3.1 Student Experience 173.2 Staffing 203.3 Identity 243.4 Communications 263.5 Publications 29

4. Overview and Implementation of the National Plan for Gaelic 4.1 Overview of the National Plan for Gaelic 334.2 Implementing the National Plan for Gaelic 34 4.2.1 Language Acquisition 34 4.2.2 Language Usage 36 4.2.3 Language Status 37 4.2.4 Language Corpus 38

5. Implementing and Monitoring of our Gaelic Plan 5.1 Timescale 415.2 Responsibility and Management 415.3 Monitoring and Evaluating 415.4 Publicising the Plan 415.5 Contact Information 42

The Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government support aspects of the University’s Gaelic Language Initiative.

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 xxxxx

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SummaryGaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Summary

Our Gaelic Language Plan provides an outline of how we will use Gaelic in the operation of our functions, how we will enable the use of Gaelic when communicating with the public and key partners, and how we will normalise, promote and develop Gaelic, building on successful engagement and developments to date.

The structure of our Plan is outlined below.

1. IntroductionThis chapter provides an overview of the University of Glasgow’s main areas of operation. It also provides a summary of the demography of the Gaelic language in Scotland and in the City of Glasgow.

2. Current Practice This chapter is an overview of the University of Glasgow’s current provision for Gaelic including academic provision, Gaelic within our operations, grassroots Gaelic development and community engagement.

3. CommitmentsThis chapter sets out how we will use, and enable the use of, Gaelic in relation to our main business functions. It covers the key commitment areas of corporate identity, signage, communication and publications. In addition, this chapter details how we intend to further develop our current provision with particular regard to the student experience.

In drawing up the Plan we have consulted widely, both internally with our staff and students and through a six-week public consultation exercise. All contributions to the consultation have been taken into account and have helped to shape our Plan.

4. Implementing the National Plan for Gaelic

This chapter demonstrates our commitment to the aims and objectives of the National Plan for Gaelic and outlines how we will contribute to the implementation of the National Plan through a series of specific development areas which address the language planning principles of acquisition, usage, status and corpus.

5. Implementation and Monitoring of our Gaelic Plan

This chapter sets out how the implementation of our Gaelic Language Plan will be taken forward and how we intend to monitor and evaluate our progress throughout the life of the Plan.


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“The development of Gaelic language and culture has an important part to play in contributing to the priorities articulated in our strategic plan”

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Introduction

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1.1 Overview of the University of Glasgow

The University of Glasgow has a clear mission to undertake world-leading research and to provide an intellectually stimulating learning environment that benefits culture, society and the economy. This mission informs everything we do.

In building upon our position as one of the world’s great broad-based research-intensive universities over the next five years, we focus on delivering excellent research, providing an excellent student experience, and extending our global reach and reputation.

The development of Gaelic language and culture has an important part to play in contributing to the priorities articulated in our strategic plan, and indeed Celtic and Gaelic is a priority academic area in our strategic plan, Glasgow 2020 – a global vision.

Key Facts and FiguresThe University of Glasgow was established in 1451 and prides itself on being:

• in the top 1% of universities in the world (QS World University Rankings 2012)

• among the UK’s top 10 earners for research (Higher Education Statistics Agency 2010-11)

• rated 1st in the Russell Group for international student satisfaction

(International Student Barometer 2012)

• rated 17th in the UK for overall student satisfaction (NSS 2012) with overall satisfaction levels of 89%.

We are a world-renowned centre for innovative research with 75% of our submitted staff contributing to subjects where the majority of research is rated world-leading or internationally excellent according to the latest Research Assessment Exercise.

We are a member of the prestigious Russell Group of 24 leading UK research universities and a member of IRUN (International Research Universities Network) – an international network of broad-based research universities.

We have a reputation for teaching excellence which was reflected in the 2012 National Student Survey in which 89% of our final year students indicated that they were satisfied with their courses. This is above the national average of 85%.

We are a founder member of Universitas 21, an international grouping of universities dedicated to setting worldwide standards for higher education, and our broad base of academic expertise means that we can offer more than 900 degree programme combinations to our undergraduates.

Staff and Student Numbers We are a major employer in the city of Glasgow with approximately 6,000 staff, including 2,500 researchers. Every year we welcome more than 16,000 undergraduates and 6,000 postgraduates. Our students come from more than 120 countries across the world to study at the University of Glasgow and, in addition, our day and evening courses support over 5,000 lifelong learners of whom 3,500 are on credit-bearing courses.

Introduction


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Excellent ResearchWe are committed to enhancing our standing as a community of world-leading researchers by promoting excellence both within disciplines and by encouraging inter-disciplinary teams tackling global challenges, providing cultural enrichment and benefiting the economy. We are continuing to work collaboratively with key partners and to build on our reputation for leading research in relation to various aspects of the Gaelic language. A detailed overview of Gaelic-related research projects is provided in Chapter 2.

An Excellent Student ExperienceWe endeavour to attract academically talented students from around the world and to provide them with an intellectually demanding, research-informed education as well as an experience that prepares them for lifelong learning and the means to contribute as global citizens. We support and encourage students to acquire and develop skills in Gaelic language and an understanding and appreciation of Gaelic culture through our unique Gaelic Language Initiative. We create real and innovative opportunities for the use of and normalisation of the language on-campus and provide our international students with a distinctive insight into Scottish culture while studying in Glasgow.

Extending our Global Reach and Reputation We have a strong tradition of extending our reach internationally and have supported the establishment and development of universities all over the world. Our alumni have contributed to economic, environmental and social developments on every continent and, through our research, we have contributed significantly to new technologies, therapies, economic change and cultural enrichment. We will continue to build on existing links with institutions involved in the study and development of minority languages, sharing our knowledge and experience, both within Scotland and internationally, including through the diaspora.

1.2 Gaelic in Scotland and the City of Glasgow

The 2001 census revealed that there were 58,652 Gaelic speakers in Scotland. A total of 78,402 people indicated that they could understand Gaelic but were not necessarily able to read, write or actually speak Gaelic. Glasgow has the largest concentration of Gaelic speakers in Scotland outwith the Western Isles and an overview of Gaelic speakers in Glasgow is detailed in the table below.

Number of people able to speak, read, writeor understand Gaelic in Glasgow in 2001

Speak 5,731

Read 4,312

Write 3,280

Understand 8,389

Some Ability2 9,941

2 In 1991, “Some Gaelic Ability” incorporated all people able to speak, read or write Gaelic. In 2001, it included people able to understand spoken Gaelic as well as those able to speak, read or write the language.

According to the General Register Office for Scotland, it is anticipated that the results of the 2011 census will be released in early 2013. The city of Glasgow is home to the largest Gaelic-medium school in Scotland and has been identified by Bòrd na Gàidhlig as an important growth area for the regeneration of Gaelic; as such it is one of the most significant areas in Scotland in terms of contemporary Gaelic development. Glasgow City Council has made notable progress in the development of Gaelic-medium education with the establishment of the first all-Gaelic primary school in Scotland in 1999, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu.

The demand for Gaelic-medium education in the city has grown so rapidly since 1999 that the school has now moved into larger premises and has expanded its provision to deliver Gaelic-medium education from pre-school to secondary level. The table on page 7 shows the number of pupils in both primary and secondary level Gaelic-medium education at Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu in 2011 - 2012.


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In 2010, the University of Glasgow awarded Donalda McComb, Headteacher of Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, an honorary doctorate in recognition of her outstanding contribution to the advancement of Gaelic-medium education in Glasgow and indeed Scotland. In addition to Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, there are many Gaelic-medium units within English-medium primary schools in areas within the vicinity of Glasgow including: East Dunbartonshire, North and South Lanarkshire, Inverclyde and East Ayrshire.

Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu Pupil Numbers 2011 - 2012

P1 – P7 371

S1 – S6 188

Total 559

In recent years Gaelic education has significantly expanded across Scotland, which is evident in national figures detailed below.

Gaelic Education (Scotland)3 Pupil Numbers 2011 - 2012

Nursery 730

Primary 2,418

Secondary 3,747

Total 6,895

3 The figure for primary level education indicates the number of children in Gaelic medium primary education while the secondary figure is a combination of pupils on both fluent speakers and learners Gaelic courses. http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/bord/en/our-work/education

Glasgow is also very important in terms of third-level Gaelic education. Gaelic provision to varying levels is available in a variety of institutions throughout the city including: the University of Glasgow, the University of Strathclyde, Glasgow Caledonian University, Stow College, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland and the University of the West of Scotland on the outskirts of Glasgow.

Various Gaelic organisations have offices and staff based in the city including: Bòrd na Gàidhlig, Comunn na Gàidhlig, Comhairle nan Leabhraichean, Deiseal Ltd, An Lòchran and MG ALBA. This is undoubtedly a reflection of how important Glasgow is to these organisations and we are committed to maintaining strong working

relationships with organisations that are striving towards a shared vision to ensure a sustainable future for Gaelic; not only in Glasgow, but throughout Scotland.

Similar to the University of Glasgow, many Glasgow-based organisations employ Gaelic language specialists to develop Gaelic provision within their operations including Glasgow City Council and Glasgow Life. We work closely with these organisations with a view to strengthening and developing Gaelic’s presence throughout the city of Glasgow.

Glasgow is also home to a large number of independent media companies producing Gaelic programmes for BBC ALBA, not to mention being home to the BBC itself within which is a large Gaelic department.


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“Glasgow is the only UK University tohave an established Chair of Gaelic”

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Current Provision

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This Chapter provides an overview of the University of Glasgow’s existing Gaelic provision both within its operations and academically.

2.1 Academic Provision The first official lectureship in Celtic at the University of Glasgow was established in 1900 and the Chair of Celtic in 1956. In addition to having a Chair of Celtic, Glasgow is the only UK University to have an established Chair of Gaelic, from 2010. Celtic and Gaelic is one of the six subject areas within the School of Humanities; the School is one of the four constituent Schools of the College of Arts. Celtic and Gaelic is also a constituent member of the Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies which brings together academics from across the University to create a focus for research and teaching in the languages, history, literature and culture of Scotland and the Celtic world. Celtic and Gaelic enjoys excellent working relationships with other subject areas, most notably History, Archaeology and English Language (the first two co-located in the School of Humanities). Staff collaborate in teaching some courses at Honours level and share the supervision of some doctoral students. The co-supervision of doctoral students extends beyond the School of Humanities to other Schools within the College of Arts and to the College of Social Sciences. The effectiveness of this collaboration is also evident in successful applications for research funding.

There are 6.75 FTE members of staff involved in research and teaching in Celtic and Gaelic in addition to 5.3 FTE research staff working on externally funded projects. The Gaelic Language Officer, 1 FTE, is also housed within Celtic and Gaelic. Located in No. 3 University Gardens the subject area has a bilingual policy and the building provides a bilingual environment with most staff and Gaelic-speaking students using Gaelic as their daily language of communication.

Undergraduate StudyCeltic and Gaelic offers three separate undergraduate degree programmes in Gaelic, Celtic Studies and Celtic Civilisation. Both Gaelic and Celtic Studies may be taken as Single Honours degree programmes or as Joint Honours in combination with another subject. Celtic Civilisation may be taken as a Joint Honours degree only. Recent Joint Honours degrees with Gaelic include: Scottish History, History, French, German, Film and

Television Studies, Theatre Studies, Scottish Literature, English Literature, English Language and Mathematics.

In 2011-12, 236 undergraduate students were studying in the subject area. This breaks down as follows:

Level 1 2 3 4

Gaelic 27 19 13 7

Celtic Studies / Celtic Civilisation

116 40 9 5

Total 143 59 22 12

Students Studying Gaelic

Level 1 2 3 4

Fluent Gaelic on entry 2 6 7 4

Learners’ Higher or equivalent on entry

3 3 2 1

Ab initio learners on entry

22 10 4 2

Total 27 19 13 7

Three courses are offered at level one: an ab initio course for those with little or no knowledge of Gaelic; a class for those who have Higher Gaelic taught partly in Gaelic; and a class for those with Higher Gàidhlig taught and assessed primarily through Gaelic. For learners the emphasis is on ensuring that students acquire a solid understanding of the structure of the language whereas for those who are already fluent the emphasis is on teaching grammatical and orthographic accuracy while extending students’ range of vocabulary and registers. For fluent speakers the majority of teaching and assessment, whether of language or literature, history and culture, is conducted through the medium of Gaelic, while those who are learners of the language move towards Gaelic-medium instruction and assessment by the end of their second year of study. By the third and fourth years all students taking a degree in Gaelic are taught and assessed primarily through the medium of Gaelic. This includes regularly delivering oral presentations in Gaelic and writing a dissertation in Gaelic. Those who are not fluent speakers

Current Provision


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are expected to attend the inter-university Gaelic summer school, supported by the Scottish Funding Council and the Scottish Government, between the second and third years and again between the third and fourth years to improve their oral skills. Students taking Celtic Studies may begin to learn Gaelic in their third or fourth year, an option regularly taken up by students on that programme. The 2012 National Student Survey of final year undergraduates showed an overall 94% satisfaction rate with Celtic and Gaelic’s programmes. 98% of respondents found the programmes intellectually stimulating and 98% felt that staff were enthusiastic about what they teach.

Recent graduates have gone on to a wide range of careers which include teaching, the media, librarianship, language planning, law, postgraduate study, translation and university teaching.

Postgraduate Study At postgraduate level the subject area currently offers a number of degrees: a taught Master of Letters (MLitt) in Celtic Studies as part of which students may choose to study Gaelic; Master of Research (MRes) in Gaelic, Gàidhlig and in Celtic Studies; Master of Philosophy (MPhil), a one year research degree for which students may submit a thesis in Gaelic; MLitt by research, a two-year research degree for which students may submit a thesis in Gaelic; PhD, a three-year research degree for which students may submit a thesis in Gaelic. Our Gaelic classes are also open to postgraduate students in other subject areas enabling them either to acquire some basic language skills or to improve existing skills.

There are currently 24 students studying for a PhD who are supervised by staff in Celtic and Gaelic and a further 7 students undertaking one-year postgraduate degrees in the subject area. The majority of these are researching topics in Scottish Gaelic language, literature or culture and include: code-switching; intergenerational transmission of Gaelic; the history of Gaelic orthography; adult learners; the interface between Gaelic and Scots; compounding; traditional lexis, lexicology and semantics; computer assisted language learning; Gaelic development in urban centres. Four students are currently writing their theses in Gaelic. A number of recent graduates have gone on to pursue careers in academia including one who is now an Associate Professor at Harvard University.

Research and Achievements Celtic and Gaelic has a vibrant research environment with staff regularly delivering papers at conferences in Scotland and abroad and publishing their research as monographs or in international, peer-reviewed journals and conference proceedings. Staff research includes a wide range of activity ranging from the medieval to the modern period in all of the main areas of Celtic Studies including language, literature, history and culture. Specifically, Gaelic projects include nineteenth and twentieth-century literature, Gaelic personal names and place-names and all major areas of Gaelic linguistics including sociolinguistics, dialectology, lexicology, grammar and corpus linguistics.

Staff researching Scottish Gaelic, its literature and culture are all committed to publishing some of their research in Gaelic, thereby contributing to the normalisation of Gaelic as a language of academic discourse.

In the 2008 Research Assessment Exercise Glasgow’s Celtic Department came first in Scotland with 50% of our research classed as ‘world leading’ or ‘internationally excellent’ and 90% of our research rated as ‘recognised internationally’.

International conferences are regularly hosted including the most recent Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig 7 (August 2012) and the forthcoming fifteenth International Congress of Celtic Studies (2015).

Celtic and Gaelic has been publishing literary and academic texts since the 1960s. In recent years it has published volumes of conference proceedings and in 2008 established a refereed academic journal, Aiste, of which three issues have been published to date. Articles are published in Gaelic, Irish and English. In addition


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Celtic and Gaelic has developed and published a variety of language learning texts including: Gràmar na Gàidhlig, Facal air an Fhacal and Scottish Gaelic in Twelve Weeks.

National Research Projects Academic staff in the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan are heavily involved in a variety of pioneering national Gaelic-related research projects which include:

DASG (Digital Archive of Scottish Gaelic | Dàta airson Stòras na Gàidhlig), a recognised British Academy project which will provide a unique digital resource for users and researchers of the language by developing an online resource which will make available the lexical fieldwork archive generated by the Historical Dictionary of Scottish Gaelic (1966–96) in the Department of Celtic at the University of Glasgow. Through its constituent project, Corpas na Gàidhlig | The Corpus of Scottish Gaelic, it will also provide the first comprehensive online full-text corpus for the language upon which future research and technological developments for the language will be based.

Celtic and Gaelic has undertaken research on behalf of Bòrd na Gàidhlig on corpus technology which will enable the Bòrd to create policies to implement necessary developments in Gaelic corpus planning and related technologies and services.4

Gaelic dialects were the focus of the research project ‘The Power of Numbers: Variation and Sound Change in Gaelic’ which was funded by the British Academy.

Gaelic personal names and place-names have been and continue to be the focus of a number of major projects funded by the AHRC and the Leverhulme Trust. The ‘People of Medieval Scotland’ (PoMS) project has built a unique database which has collected all personal names appearing in medieval Scottish charters in the period 1093–1314, about 20% of which are Gaelic. ‘The Expansion and Contraction of Gaelic in Medieval Scotland: The Onomastic Evidence’ investigates how Gaelic expanded during the early middle ages from Argyll into eastern and southern Scotland, and the process by which it had then receded from many of these areas by 1500. ‘Scottish Toponymy in Transition’ (STIT) is a major project which aims to build a future for the survey of, research into and engagement with place-names in Scotland in Kinross-shire, Clackmannanshire,

Menteith, Cunninghame in Ayrshire, and Berwickshire in the Scottish Borders. ‘Commemorations of Saints in Scottish Place-Names’ investigates place-names which incorporate the names of saints (hagio-toponyms), mostly of medieval origin and containing Gaelic, Northern British, Norse and Scots. The outputs of these projects, including online resources, will provide unique resources for the embedding of Scottish Studies within school curricula.

The University of Glasgow is one of the constituent partners of Soillse, the National Research Network for the Maintenance and Revitalisation of Gaelic Language and Culture. Glasgow projects include Gaelic adult learners, corpus and status planning (podcasting and the use of Wikis in providing a platform for collaborative work) and the development of Gaelic in urban settings.

Student Gaelic research projects include: code-switching; intergenerational transmission of Gaelic; the history of Gaelic orthography; adult learners; the interface between Gaelic and Scots; compounding; traditional lexis, lexicology and semantics; computer assisted language learning; Gaelic development in urban centres.

4 Michael Bauer, Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh and Rob Wherrett, Survey of Gaelic Corpus Technology (Glaschu, 2009). http://www.gaidhlig.org.uk/Downloads/Rannsachadh/CR09-03 Corpus Development Technology 2009 English.pdf


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2.2 The Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte

The Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte facilitates the University’s lifelong learning provision. It offers an extensive range of courses including: modern languages, computing, international studies, music, media and history amongst many others. The courses offered by the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte are open to the public and attract a wide range of participants from retired adults to the employed and unemployed and also University staff and students. The Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte has just completed an extensive review and restructuring exercise and will maintain its substantial programme of lifelong learning opportunities as well as introducing a series of new and stimulating opportunities to its portfolio. The courses are primarily hosted on the University of Glasgow campus although the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte is also heavily involved in outreach work and facilitates a number of community courses in areas outwith Glasgow city for example in East Renfrewshire and East Dunbartonshire.

The Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte has been offering Gaelic courses to the Glasgow community for almost 50 years, primarily in the form of traditional evening classes and has recently introduced the Ulpan learning method to its provision.

2011 - 2012 Provision

Gaelic Stage 1(SCOTCAT accredited) 31

studentsGaelic Stage 2(SCOTCAT accredited)

Ulpan CoursesUnits 1-48

15students

Ulpan Taster Days Units 1-3 Part of the West End Festival

28students

In 2012 - 2013, the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte will continue to offer Gaelic courses at SCOTCAT levels 1 & 2 as well as a range of Ulpan courses at both beginner and intermediate and advanced levels.

Throughout the life of this Plan, the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte will work closely with the Gaelic Language Officer and Language Centre to ensure that the University continues to offer a wide-range of Gaelic learning opportunities both for the surrounding community and University staff and students.

The Centre will also work closely with the Gaelic Language Officer to develop and incorporate Gaelic language and cultural courses into its new summer course provision in 2013.

The Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte adopted a bilingual title in 2012 which is used throughout this Plan. This will be displayed on the main entrance sign to the Centre. It is used on the Centre’s languages newsletter and members of staff are encouraged to display this on their email signatures.

2.3 The Language Centre The Language Centre, located within the School of Modern Languages and Cultures, supports the learning of languages predominantly within the University. The Language Centre runs part-time courses in 20 different languages including Gaelic as well as courses in teaching English as a foreign language. The Centre’s main target audience is University staff and students although courses are open to the general public.

The Language Centre has been offering informal Gaelic courses since 1998 in the form of traditional evening and lunchtime classes. Since 2007 it has attracted 70 members of staff and students to both beginner and post-beginner level Gaelic courses. The Language Centre holds an extensive range of Gaelic learning materials in its library including dictionaries, audio visual materials and journals.

As detailed above, the Language Centre will work closely with the Gaelic Language Officer and the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte throughout the life of this Plan to ensure that the University continues to offer a wide range of Gaelic learning opportunities both for the local community and University staff and students.


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2.4 Gaelic Language Initiative In 2009 the University launched a pioneering Gaelic Language Initiative and appointed Scotland’s first Gaelic Language Officer in the Higher Education sector, as a pilot scheme for Scotland’s universities. The Initiative aims to promote Gaelic language and culture throughout the University as a whole. Since its establishment, the Initiative has gone from strength to strength and has allowed for the creation of a wide range of unique projects which allow staff and students of the University to engage with the language and its culture in various ways. This has included the establishment of: free learning opportunities for all members of staff and students, a unique Gaelic Language Residency Scheme, regular on-campus cultural events, an annual national Gaelic arts event for students in collaboration with Fèis Rois and Gaelic career events. An overview of the key components of the Initiative and work of the Gaelic Language Officer is detailed below.

Gaelic Language Residency SchemeThis project was established in 2009 to give fluent Gaelic-speaking students the opportunity to live together on campus for the academic year and to create a Gaelic-speaking environment for themselves within which they could use Gaelic with peers in an informal setting regardless of their chosen area of study at the University of Glasgow.

Participating students are required to use Gaelic as the main language of the residence and support the work of the Gaelic Language Initiative more widely through the organisation of Gaelic-related events throughout the year. Students are encouraged to develop their own distinctive events and initiatives which not only contribute to the promotion of Gaelic language and culture amongst the student body generally but also to the development of their social and employability skills. We have been impressed with students’ creativity and eagerness to promote the language on campus and willingness to integrate it into their daily lives. To date students have launched the first Gaelic radio programme on Subcity Radio, the University radio station; they have rebranded the Residency Scheme and developed their own website to promote their activities, launched a unique podcasting project in collaboration with Soillse and organised a wide-variety of Gaelic-cultural events. More information on the achievements of the students can be found on the Scheme’s website: www.taighnagaidhlig.org - website of the University Gaelic Language Residency Scheme.

The Gaelic Language Residency Scheme is a vital part of the overall Gaelic Language Initiative and undoubtedly develops the interpersonal and employability skills of participating students while also, importantly, making a vital and positive contribution to their general confidence in Gaelic, language acquisition and usage patterns for the future.

Our approach to language acquisition and usage initiatives, draws on up-to-date pedagogical language research on multilingual environments, the maintenance of minority cultures and on building capacity in the context of fragile language status.

Informal Learning Opportunities for Staff and Students Through the Gaelic Language Initiative all members of staff and students have the opportunity to access free and informal Gaelic language classes which are non-credit bearing and generally aimed at beginners to intermediate level learners. The classes have attracted a significant amount of interest since 2009 with a total of 168 staff and students attending so far. Notably, 63% have come from beyond the College of Arts and have been spread quite evenly across the other three Colleges and University Services (52% students, 48% staff).

Participating members of staff and students are encouraged to pursue their language learning further through our additional service providers such as the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte and the Language Centre, both of which offer a range of Gaelic courses for the University community as well as the local community.


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In addition, informal conversation opportunities (Cothroman Còmhraidh) take place twice weekly throughout the academic year. This offers both learners and fluent speakers the opportunity to use their language skills in an informal yet supported environment outwith formal academic classes.

The establishment of free language classes for staff and students has increased the numbers of Gaelic learners on our campus and their acquisition and use of the language is supported through the wider language initiative and associated Gaelic events.

Cultural Events An important feature of the Initiative is the wide range of cultural events which take place each semester, allowing the University community to access Gaelic culture whether they speak Gaelic or not. On average there are around six cultural events each semester which can range from music and place-name events to book launches and Gaelic career events.

The range of events varies each semester and is developed based upon feedback from participants. While many events are bespoke Gaelic events organized as part of the Gaelic Language Initiative, the Gaelic Language Officer has collaborated with many University services to incorporate and normalise Gaelic within existing University events. For instance collaborations have taken place with the University Music Development Officer, the Students Representative Council, the University Chapel and the Queen Margaret Union.

It should be noted that all of the above events and learning opportunities are promoted to Gaelic students throughout the city of Glasgow including those students at the University of Strathclyde, Stow College, the

Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, Glasgow Caledonian University and the University of the West of Scotland. To date we have welcomed participating students from Glasgow Caledonian University, the University of Strathclyde and Stow College.

The regularity of Gaelic-related events has greatly contributed to the status and profile of Gaelic on our campus. It has also contributed to the increased use of Gaelic by both fluent speakers and learners in our community.

Community Work and Support for Gaelic Nationally Strong links with the local Gaelic community in Glasgow and also support for the development of Gaelic nationally, are central features of the Gaelic Language Initiative. Since 2009 the Gaelic Language Officer has been involved in a variety of local Gaelic committees and collaborative projects, including the development of the local Sgoil Choimhearsnachd | Community School (a range of leisure classes delivered through the medium of Gaelic) and Na Mo Chuid Aodaich amongst others.

The Gaelic Language Officer has been an active member of Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, the City of Glasgow Gaelic Language Initiative, since its establishment in 2009 alongside key Gaelic organisations in Glasgow including; Comunn na Gàidhlig, Glasgow City Council, The Gaelic Books Council, The Glasgow Gaelic School, Fèisean nan Gàidheal, An Lòchran and Glasgow Life.

We value the opportunity to be involved with the city-wide Gaelic Language Initiative and are committed to the strengthening of the Gaelic community in Glasgow particularly through the development of community projects which will support and promote Gaelic-medium education in the city.

Support for SchoolsIn addition to our involvement with Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu we established our own schools projects in 2010. A collaborative project between the Hunterian Museum and the Gaelic Language Officer has allowed for the delivery of Gaelic-medium workshops for local Gaelic-speaking pupils as part of the Museum’s comprehensive education programme. Our Gaelic-speaking students have delivered workshops on various topics including: the Vikings, Ancient Technology and Electricity. This project has allowed our students and local pupils to use their Gaelic in a new setting beyond the normal academic environment. It has also made a valuable contribution to the development of employability


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skills amongst our Gaelic-speaking students, especially those with an interest in pursuing careers in Gaelic-medium education.

In 2010 we organised a pilot event for local secondary pupils from three High Schools in the vicinity of Glasgow in the form of a one-day Gaelic schools conference to support pupils preparing for their Higher examinations. The pupils had the opportunity to experience a day in the University, participating in classes and meeting with current undergraduate Gaelic-speaking students. The classes were developed and delivered by our own Gaelic lecturers and were designed to help prepare the pupils for their forthcoming examinations. The response from schools was particularly encouraging and we are currently discussing the development of this with local Gaelic teachers with a view to developing, in time, a national event.

National Gaelic Language Summer SchoolOur Gaelic Language Officer has adopted the role of Co-ordinator of the National Gaelic Summer School on behalf of the Scottish Funding Council and the Board of Celtic Studies (Scotland). We are committed to securing the National Summer School as a permanent feature in the academic calendar to support the needs of students studying Gaelic throughout Scotland and are currently engaged in the preparation of a proposal in collaboration with the Board of Celtic Studies (Scotland).

National Student Event in Collaborationwith Fèis RoisStrengthening the national Gaelic student community is another crucial aspect of our Gaelic Language Initiative and an outcome of this was the establishment of ‘Fèis Rois nan Oileanach Gàidhlig’ (the Gaelic Student Fèis) in 2010, in collaboration with Fèis Rois.5 The event is the only residential Gaelic-medium event in the Fèis Rois portfolio and not only promotes fluency but also a sense of community amongst Gaelic-speaking students through the arts. This unique Fèis is not only conducted entirely through the medium of Gaelic but is specifically for students in further and higher education across Scotland.

5 Fèis Rois is a provider of traditional arts education based in Dingwall with a large portfolio of events and learning opportunities taking place throughout Scotland. http://www.feisrois.org/


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“We are able to provide direct and practical support to students with an interest in Gaelic language and culture”

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 C

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Current Provision: A detailed overview of our Gaelic Language Initiative can be found in Chapter 2, Current Provision.

Development Area Measures Responsible Area Year of the Plan Language Planning Principle

Promotion and Awareness of and Engagement in Gaelic

Raise the profile and general awareness of Gaelic and Gaelic-related activity on campus.

Increase the numbers of students actively participating in Gaelic-related events.

Incorporate Gaelic cultural events into the lives of the student body through collaboration with key groups and individuals including: the University Unions (Queen Margaret and Glasgow University Unions) and the Students Representative Council, (SRC). Work will also be undertaken with the University Music Development Officer, the Ossianic Society and other relevant student associations.

Gaelic-related events will feature annually and as standard as part of the SRC’s Freshers’ Week, RAG Week, Health Week and Media Week.

GLO and SRC 2 Status and Usage

Explore the opportunity to introduce some spoken Gaelic into graduation ceremonies.

Gaelic Committee 2 Status and Usage

The GLO will work closely with members of the Ossianic Society to develop a minimum of 2 Gaelic news items annually to feature in University student media outlets: Glasgow Guardian, GUM, Subcity Radio or GUST (Television) media.

GLO and Ossianic Society

2 Status and Usage

3.1 Student Experience We aim to provide all of our students with an excellent experience while studying in Glasgow through the delivery of academically challenging and rewarding programmes, through the creation of an exceptional student learning environment, and a safe campus environment, as well as through effective student engagement and support.

CommitmentsAs part of that our unique Gaelic Language Initiative allows our students to meaningfully engage with Gaelic language and culture regardless of their chosen area of study. Through the Initiative, we are able to provide direct and practical support to students with an interest in Gaelic language and culture and below is an overview of how we aim to develop the Gaelic student experience further and embed it as a sustainable feature of University life.


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Informal Learning Opportunities

Increase the numbers of students participating in informal Gaelic learning opportunities offered by the University’s Language Centre and Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte.

Encourage the use of Gaelic terminology on bilingual signs through bespoke training opportunities.

Students will be invited to attend training sessions annually where they will learn how to pronounce the Gaelic terminology displayed on bilingual signs throughout the School of Humanities| Sgoil nan Daonnachdan and other key locations across the campus.

GLO and School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan

1 Acquisition and Usage

Promote informal Gaelic learning opportunities through student advisers to students who are unable to study Gaelic as an academic subject.

GLO andChief Advisers

2 Acquisition

The Gaelic Language Initiative will have a presence at key annual student events including: Freshers’ Week, International Week, Open Days and Taster Week, in order to promote Gaelic language learning and conversation opportunities to new students, international students, prospective students and the student body generally.

GLO, Students Representative Council (SRC),

Student Services and Recruitment and International

Office (RIO).

2 Acquisition and Status

The pronunciation of Gaelic terminology on bilingual signs across the campus will be recorded and made available as an audio file on our website.

GLO 3 Acquisition and Usage


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Gaelic Language Residency Scheme (GLRS)

Increase the number of students participating in the Gaelic Language Residency Scheme, particularly students from outwith Celtic and Gaelic

Formally recognise the skills, achievements and personal and professional development of students participating on the GLRS

Information relating to the GLRS will feature in the University prospectus.

Corporate Communications

1 Status and Usage

Promote the GLRS extensively in secondary schools throughout Scotland where Gaelic is taught to ensure that incoming Gaelic-speaking students are aware of the opportunity.

GLO 1Status, Usage

and Acquisition

The GLRS will be promoted on the Residential Services online news feed.

Residential Services

2 Status

In collaboration with University College Dublin (UCD) in Ireland, we will develop a Personal and Professional development module for those participating in the GLRS.

GLO 2Usage, Acquisition

and Corpus


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20 3.2 Staffing We want to enable our staff to engage with the Gaelic Language Plan as meaningfully as possible by developing their knowledge and understanding of Gaelic development in Scotland today and the relevance and importance of the language’s regeneration. We also want our staff to gain the language skills which will enable them to use the language in their place of work and contribute

to the commitment areas outlined in this Plan. We will actively encourage the participation of staff in Gaelic-related training opportunities including awareness training and language learning opportunities. We will continue to recruit Gaelic speakers to Gaelic essential / desirable posts and advertise such positions bilingually.

Current Provision: • At present staff have the opportunity to participate in Gaelic courses offered by the Language Centre and the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte. • Staff members have also had the opportunity to attend free learning opportunities as part of the Gaelic Language Initiative which were established to gauge interest in • Gaelic language amongst staff. Recruitment adverts relating to posts where Gaelic is an essential and/or desirable skill are advertised bilingually.


Gaelic Language Officer (GLO)

Incorporate the role of the Gaelic Language Officer into the University as a permanent post.

Funding for the post of Gaelic Language Officer will be secured and the post will become permanent from August 2013.

Senior Management

Group 2 Status

Learning Opportunities

Staff will be encouraged to learn Gaelic through the range of courses offered by the University Language Centre and the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte.

Staff will be made aware of existing online resources for learning Gaelic and external learning opportunities.

We will develop our lifelong learning provision further to include summer courses and conversational opportunities specifically for staff.

A range of Gaelic courses at varying levels will be offered by the Language Centre and Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte annually. Courses will include: beginner and intermediate Ulpan courses, traditional evening classes and lunchtime learning opportunities.

Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte

and The Language Centre

1 Acquisition

Through the Gaelic language Initiative, host weekly conversational opportunities for staff in a prominent location on the Campus.



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Learning Opportunities

Staff will be encouraged to learn Gaelic through the range of courses offered by the University Language Centre and the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte.

Staff will be made aware of existing online resources for learning Gaelic and external learning opportunities.

We will develop our lifelong learning provision further to include summer courses and conversational opportunities specifically for staff.

The Gaelic Language Officer will work closely with the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte, to develop Gaelic Language and Gaelic cultural summer courses which will feature in the new Summer Programme from June 2013.

GLO and The Centre for Open

Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte

2 Acquisition

The Gaelic Language Officer will seek to obtain funding to support staff in pursuing the above mentioned Gaelic courses and or any external immersion / distance courses they wish to pursue.

GLO 2 Acquisition

Information will be displayed on our website which links to existing online learning resources:

• BBC Beag air Bheag• LearnGaelic.net • The Open University module Gaelic in Modern

Scotland

In addition we will also feature information on further learning opportunities including: Sabhal Mòr Ostaig’s distance learning programme An Cùrsa Inntrigidh.

GLO andStaff Development

Service 2 Acquisition

We will publish a learning route map to outline all of the various options for learning Gaelic at the University of Glasgow including academic opportunities and lifelong learning. This will be promoted extensively both internally and externally through the GLO, Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte and The Language Centre networks.

GLO, Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein

Fhosgailte and The Language Centre

3 Acquisition and Status


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22 Development Area Measures Responsible Area Year of the Plan Language Planning Principle

Gaelic Awareness Training and Customised Courses Increase the awareness and use of Gaelic terminology featured on bilingual signs.

Introduce annual Gaelic Awareness Training opportunities.

The Gaelic Language Officer will participate in the annual staff induction event and promote the opportunity to attend Gaelic Awareness training to new appointees as well as opportunities to learn Gaelic and the Gaelic Initiative generally.

GLO and Staff Development

Service 1 Status and Acquisition

Promote annual Gaelic Awareness Training to all staff via the Staff Development Service and Campus News.

GLO, Staff Development Service and Corporate

Communications

1 Status and Acquisition

Staff will be invited to attend training sessions annually where they will learn how to pronounce the Gaelic terminology displayed on bilingual signs throughout the School of Humanities| Sgoil nan Daonnachdan and other key locations across the campus.

GLO and School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan

2 Acquisition and Usage

The pronunciation of Gaelic terminology on bilingual signs across the campus will be recorded and made available as an audio file on our website.


The Gaelic Language Officer will organise bespoke training courses for specific groups of staff at relevant points in the year for example; front of house reception staff, Hospitality Services Staff involved with our annual Gaelic Day and Conference and Visitor Services Staff who may be involved in the International Congress of Celtic Studies.

GLO andrelevant area

On demand Acquisition and Usage


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Staff Audit

Building upon our earlier audit in 20106, we will maintain a constant and accurate record of the Gaelic abilities of staff through Human Resources.

A question relating to Gaelic language ability will feature as standard on the University’s self service HR system. This will allow us to maintain an ongoing record of Gaelic ability amongst staff.

HR 1 Status and Usage

Engagement with Gaelic Culture

Increase and promote the opportunity for staff to engage with Gaelic culture both internally and externally.

A minimum of one Gaelic concert will feature annually in the University’s Music @ Lunchtime Concert series.

GLO andMusic Development

Officer 1 Status and Usage

Offer free tickets annually to Gaelic Concerts at Celtic Connections and or Ceòl is Craic via the Ferguson Bequest.7

GLO andCourt Office

2 Status and Usage

6 Michelle Cotter, Fiona Dunn & Prof. Roibeard Ó Maolalaigh, ‘Gaelic at the University of Glasgow: Interest, Abilities and Attitudes’. Celtic and Gaelic, School of Humanities, College of Arts, University of Glasgow (2010).

7 Professor Tom Ferguson bequeathed his estate to the University in 1977, with the instruction that the money be used to foster the social side of University life.


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Current Provision: • The University’s Gaelic logo is used extensively by staff in Celtic and Gaelic and is the only version used by the Gaelic Language Officer to promote all activity relating

to the Gaelic Language Initiative.

• The School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan is entirely bilingual with Gaelic and English signs displayed outside all subject area buildings and extensively throughout the School office. Subject areas include: Celtic and Gaelic, Archaeology, Classics, History, Humanities Advanced Technology and Information Institute, and Philosophy.

• Celtic and Gaelic has a bilingual policy in place which provides guidance on how Gaelic display material e.g. posters and notices should be displayed within the subject area building.


University Logo

We will consider the use of Gaelic in our corporate identity at the next re-branding opportunity.8

Guidance on the use of the Gaelic logo to feature in the University’s official corporate guidelines.

Increase the frequency with which the Gaelic version of the logo is used.

8 This will be determined by the findings of our international research exercise, “The Impact of a Bilingual Identity on the University of Glasgow’s Internationalisation Activities.” It is expected that this research will be concluded by February / March 2013 and Bòrd na Gàidhlig and representatives from institutions throughout Scotland, will be invited to attend the presentation of these findings.

Guidance on the use of the University’s Gaelic logo will be published in the official University Corporate Guidelines.


1 Status

The Gaelic logo will be used on media releases being circulated bilingually and to Gaelic media outlets.


1 Status and Corpus

The Gaelic version of the University logo will be used as standard at relevant international academic conferences including:• Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig 2012 • The International Celtic Congress 2015

Celtic and Gaelic, CVSO (Conference and Visitor Services

Office)

1 Status

3.3 IdentityWe believe that an increased visual presence of Gaelic in our corporate identity and signage will greatly increase the status of Gaelic and general awareness of the language not only amongst the University community, but also amongst members of the local community, the general public and other visitors, who

regularly visit or pass by the public areas of our campus. In addition, the use of Gaelic in our visual identity will make an important contribution to the enrichment of Gaelic terminology and general corpus planning.


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University Logo

We will consider the use of Gaelic in our corporate identity at the next re-branding opportunity. 8

Guidance on the use of the Gaelic logo to feature in the University’s official corporate guidelines.

Increase the frequency with which the Gaelic version of the logo is used.

The Language Centre and Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte will make use of the Gaelic logo when advertising Gaelic courses.

The Language Centre and Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein

Fhosgailte

1 Status

The Gaelic logo will feature on one of the University’s mini-buses sponsored by the Gaelic Language Initiative.

GLO and Transport Services

2 Status and Corpus

Signage

Increase the visibility of Gaelic on our campus through the increased number of bilingual signs in key areas.

Increase Gaelic awareness amongst staff and students through the organisation of campaigns which feature temporary Gaelic signage in prominent locations on campus.

9 The location of the Gaelic Language Residency Scheme changes on an annual basis, hence the reason for temporary signage.

Temporary Gaelic signage will be displayed in student residencies where the Gaelic Language Residency Scheme is located.9

GLO and Residential Services

1 Status and Corpus

Any signage displayed for the purposes of international Gaelic-related conferences will be bilingual.

Celtic and Gaelic and CVSO

1 Status and Corpus

As part of our annual Gaelic Awareness Day, bilingual signs will be displayed in all University to raise the profile of Gaelic language and culture. Signs will feature: • directions• menus • price lists

GLO and Hospitality Services

2 Status, Corpus and Usage

Key areas identified for bilingual signage include: the Main Entrance, areas of the Library, the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery and Residential Services main office.

University Services 2 Status and Corpus


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26 3.4 Communications The increased use of Gaelic in our communications including telephone, mail, email and forms will demonstrate to the University community and the wider general public that the use of Gaelic in communicating with the University is welcome. It will increase the practical opportunities to use the language on

a day-to-day basis and increase the general visibility and awareness of the language as a result. In addition, an increased use of the language in our communications will further develop the breadth of Gaelic terminology used in Scottish Higher Education and beyond.

Current Provision:

• Gaelic is spoken extensively within the subject area of Celtic and Gaelic | Ceiltis is na Gàidhlig. Beyond this, there is one Gaelic-speaking secretary within the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan who plays a crucial role in dealing with telephone enquiries in Gaelic as well as communicating with staff and students in Gaelic.

• Bilingual and Gaelic-only correspondence is regularly made by staff members in the subject area of Celtic and Gaelic | Ceiltis is Gàidhlig, which includes the use of a bilingual letterhead and strapline.

• Correspondence, both internal and external, from the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan displays the full bilingual title of the School as standard.

• Many members of staff in Celtic and Gaelic | Ceiltis is na Gàidhlig and more widely in the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan, have bilingual email signatures.

• Since adopting a bilingual title, the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte, has encouraged staff to display the bilingual name on email signatures.

• Students applying to participate in the university-wide Gaelic Language Residency Scheme | Sgeama Còmhnaidh nan Oileanach, are required to complete an application form which is available only in Gaelic.10

• Internal correspondence from within the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan displays a bilingual letterhead.

• All internal correspondence from the Gaelic Language Officer promoting the University-wide Gaelic Language Initiative is produced bilingually or solely in Gaelic as appropriate.

• Gaelic-speaking staff within Celtic and Gaelic | Ceiltis is na Gàidhlig and other subject areas (e.g. History) communicate orally and via email through the medium of Gaelic.

• Since the introduction of the Gaelic Language Initiative in 2009, simultaneous interpretation has been used regularly at events.

10 Students must be fluent to participate in the Gaelic Language Residency Scheme.


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Telephone

Increase the number of front of house staff attending Gaelic-related training courses. Identify members of staff who would be willing to make more use of their Gaelic language skills as part of their work by accepting enquiries through the medium of Gaelic.

Invite front of house reception staff to attend Gaelic Awareness Training and also bespoke Gaelic language classes to learn basic phrases and how to direct enquiries received in Gaelic.

Campus Services and GLO

2 Status and Corpus

From data collected on the HR system, we will build a database of staff members who have ability in Gaelic and who would be willing to accept telephone, mail and email correspondence.

HR and GLO 3 Acquisition and Usage

Provide front of house staff with a list of Gaelic-speaking staff who are willing to deal with queries through the medium of Gaelic.


Email and Mail

Increase the number of staff members displaying bilingual email signatures primarily within the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan in the first instance.

Promote the opportunity for the general public to send email and mail correspondence to the University of Glasgow in Gaelic through the publication of this Plan.

All written correspondence received in Gaelic, which requires a response, will be given in Gaelic.

GLO and other relevant areas.

1 Status, Usage and Corpus

Any other members of staff wishing to display a bilingual email signature can have their information translated into Gaelic on demand.

GLO 1 Status, Usage and Corpus

A list of Gaelic job titles and subject areas for the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan will be compiled and made accessible to staff within An Sgoil.

School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan

and GLO



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Forms

Explore the possibilities to increase the opportunity for Gaelic-speaking visitors and prospective students to complete University forms in Gaelic. Ensure that a bilingual registration process for delegates exists for those attending relevant forthcoming academic conferences.

The GLO will identify opportunities for relevant forms to be accessed in Gaelic and work closely with relevant areas of the University to create or translate relevant forms and promote the opportunity. For example: enquiry forms online and course evaluation forms for Gaelic modules.

GLO and relevant areas


Fully bilingual online registration form available for conferences including Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig 2012 and the International Celtic Congress 2015.

CVSO and Celtic and Gaelic

1 Status and Usage

Simultaneous Interpretation

Increase the use of simultaneous interpretation at academic and Gaelic Language Initiative events. Pilot the use of simultaneous interpretation at Gaelic Committee meetings with an aim of using simultaneous interpretation as standard.

The use of simultaneous interpretation technology will be piloted by the Gaelic Committee following the approval of the University Plan in year 1.

Gaelic Committee 1 Status, Usage and Corpus

A simultaneous interpretation service will be offered to any Gaelic-speaker presenting as part of the Centre for Scottish and Celtic Studies seminar series.

The Centre for Scottish and Celtic

Studies1 Status, Usage and Corpus

A simultaneous interpretation service will be offered at all Gaelic plenary lectures during Rannsachadh na Gàidhlig.

Celtic and Gaelic, CVSO



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3.5 Publications The use of Gaelic in a range of our printed material will contribute to the increased visibility of Gaelic, enhance the status of the language and create opportunities for the use of existing Gaelic terminology as well as the development of new terms. By strengthening our relationship with the Gaelic

media and increasing our use of Gaelic in our PR, website and social media pages, we will demonstrate our commitment to making important information available through the medium of Gaelic and to increasing the visibility and status of the language.

Current Provision:

• All literature produced by the Gaelic Language Officer is bilingual or solely in Gaelic where appropriate.

• Literature produced to promote the subject area of Celtic and Gaelic | Ceiltis is na Gàidhlig is in English and features some Gaelic content.

• All press-releases relating to Celtic and Gaelic and the Gaelic Language Initiative are produced bilingually.

• Celtic and Gaelic purchases advertising space annually in specific Gaelic publications, for example the Comunn na Gàidhlig wall planner which is circulated throughout Scotland to all Gaelic-related organisations and schools and also Cur is Fàs.

• All web pages relating to the Gaelic Language Initiative are bilingual.

• Celtic and Gaelic has a bilingual policy in place which provides guidance on how Gaelic display material i.e. posters and notices should be displayed within the subject area building.

• Bilingual information in relation to the Gaelic Language Initiative is displayed in the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan building.

• Large exhibition stands in both Gaelic and English are permanently on display and promote the Gaelic Language Initiative. The stands are mobile and are relocated when Gaelic-related events are taking place in other venues.


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Printed Materials

Increase the number of Gaelic-only printed materials and presence of Gaelic in existing courses literature.

Increase the presence of promotional literature relating to the Gaelic Language Initiative across the campus.

The University Calendar to be updated to include the possibility of submitting a thesis for examination in Gaelic for relevant studies.

Clerk of Senate 1 Status and Usage

A Gaelic-only leaflet will be produced to promote the academic opportunities within Celtic and Gaelic.

Celtic and Gaelic and College of Arts


A Gaelic-only leaflet will be produced to promote the Gaelic Language Residency Scheme for circulation to schools throughout Scotland.


The Gaelic Language Initiative brochure will be visible in the main display areas across the campus including in the main building, the Library, the Fraser Building and circulated to all subject area buildings regardless of discipline.


PR and Media

Increase the number of bilingual media-releases being produced annually.

Strengthen the University of Glasgow’s relationship with the Gaelic media.

All PR relating to Celtic and Gaelic and or the Gaelic Language Initiative to be produced bilingually as standard.


and GLO1 Status, Usage and Corpus

We will produce a minimum of two bilingual media-releases annually which are based upon non-Gaelic related news with a view to increasing this number during the life of the Plan.


and GLO1 Status, Usage and Corpus

Develop a list of Gaelic media contacts and outlets which is held centrally within Corporate Communications.


and GLO1 Status and Usage

Develop a list of key Gaelic-related events and dates to be promoted by Corporate Communications.



Provide Corporate Communications with a list of key Gaelic-speaking staff members who would be willing to speak to the Gaelic media.




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Website and Social Media

Raise the profile of Gaelic through its display on more prominent sections of the website.

Increase the amount of Gaelic content across the University website.

Increase the presence of Gaelic language news on the official University social media pages.

Introduce a link to the Gaelic pages from the University’s main home page.


and GLO 1 Status and Usage

Introduce a link to the Gaelic Initiative pages from the School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan homepage.

School of Humanities | Sgoil nan Daonnachdan

1 Status and Usage

We will link the Gaelic Initiative Facebook and Twitter pages to University’s main homepage as part of the list of official University of Glasgow social media pages.

GLO and Corporate Communications

1 Status and Usage

The official University of Glasgow social media pages will re-post and re-tweet announcements in both Gaelic and English which are relevant to the general student body and external audience e.g. information regarding the Gaelic Residency Scheme and information on learning opportunities and cultural events taking place.

GLO and Corporate Communications

1 Status and Usage

Increase the presence of Gaelic text on webpages advertising Gaelic courses within the Language Centre and the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte.

GLO, the Language Centre and the

Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte


Explore the opportunity to conduct an audit of Gaelic content on the website with a view to developing further Gaelic content.


and GLO 2 Status, Usage and Corpus


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“Providing support for Gaelic-medium teachers through the development and delivery of CPD courses in collaboration with Bòrd na Gàidhlig”

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Overview and Implementation

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4.1 Overview of the National Plan for Gaelic The National Plan for Gaelic identifies four interlinking aspects of language development which need to be addressed, and within them sets out a number of priority action areas:

Language AcquisitionIncreasing the number of Gaelic speakers by ensuring the language is transferred within families and by securing effective opportunities for learning Gaelic, through:

• increasing the use and transmission of Gaelic in the home

• increasing the number of children acquiring Gaelic in the school

• increasing the uptake and availability of Gaelic-medium education

• increasing the number of adult Gaelic learners progressing to fluency.

Language UsageEncouraging greater use of Gaelic, providing opportunities to use the language, and promoting access to Gaelic forms of expression, through:

• increasing the use of Gaelic in communities

• increasing the use of Gaelic in tertiary education and places of work

• increasing the presence of Gaelic in the media

• increasing the promotion of Gaelic in the arts

• increasing the profile of Gaelic in the tourism, heritage and recreation sectors.

Language StatusIncreasing the visibility and audibility of Gaelic, enhancing its recognition and creating a positive image for Gaelic in Scottish public life, through:

• increasing the number of bodies preparing Gaelic Language Plans

• increasing the profile and prestige of Gaelic

• increasing the visibility and recognition of Gaelic.

Language CorpusStrengthening the relevance and consistency of Gaelic and promoting research into the language, through:

• increasing the relevance and consistency of the Gaelic language

• increasing the quality and accessibility of Gaelic translations

• increasing the availability of accurate research information.

Overview and Implementation of the National Plan for Gaelic


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4.2 Implementing the National Plan for Gaelic

In preparing our first Gaelic Language Plan, we have been attentive to the four important language planning principles outlined in the National Plan for Gaelic: language acquisition, usage, status and corpus. We believe that our primary contribution to these principles and the implementation of the National Plan for Gaelic will predominantly be achieved through the increased presence and use of Gaelic in our main functions, as detailed in chapter 3, Commitments. In addition, the action areas below detail a series of broader projects which will allow us to address specifically the main language planning principles in the National Plan and work towards the increased presence and use of Gaelic in education, the workplace, the community and Scottish public life.

As a leading pioneer in the development of Gaelic in tertiary education, we are committed to the continued development and sustainability of Gaelic language and culture at the University of Glasgow and, as such, we will consider Gaelic when renewing and developing policies across the University from now on, incorporating commitments to the language where possible.

4.2.1 Language AcquisitionWe recognise that a sustainable future for Gaelic requires more people to learn the language and that attention requires to be focused on the home, education and adult learning as the key means of achieving this. We will take the following steps to help create a supportive environment for growing the number of Gaelic speakers in Scotland.

Action Responsible Area Year of the Plan

We will aim to increase the number of students enrolled on Gaelic-related undergraduate and postgraduate courses on an annual basis through collaborative initiatives with our Recruitment and International Office and also closer links with secondary schools to ensure that pupils are aware of the entry tariff for the College of Arts.

College of Arts, Celtic and Gaelic, Recruitment and

International Office

Throughout the life of the Plan

We will constantly review and monitor the range of Gaelic courses available on our academic programmes and introduce new courses when possible that are relevant to the current climate and which relate to the expertise of our academic staff. We will be introducing the module, Language Policy and Planning in Scotland to our portfolio of Gaelic courses in 2012 - 2013.

Celtic and Gaelic 1

We will pursue inter-disciplinary opportunities to introduce Gaelic language into other relevant programmes across the University, beginning with the new Masters programme, Translation Studies: Translation and Professional Practice MSc.

Celtic and Gaelic 1

We will continue our role co-ordinating the National Gaelic Summer School on behalf of the Scottish Funding Council and the Board of Celtic Studies until a suitable and sustainable model for the School is established.

GLO, Celtic and Gaelic

Ongoing

We will continue to work closely with Education Scotland and contribute to curriculum development and delivery of Scottish Studies in Schools in and around Glasgow.

College of Arts,Celtic and Gaelic

Ongoing

We will provide support for Gaelic-medium teachers through the development and delivery of CPD courses in collaboration with Bòrd na Gàidhlig. Celtic and Gaelic 1


35


We will increase the number of adults, including members of the public, staff and students, who are participating in Gaelic courses offered by the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte and the University’s Language Centre through more streamlined and collaborative marketing between the GLO, Language Centre and Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte.

Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte,

The Language Centre,

Gaelic Language Officer (GLO)

2-5

Via the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte and the Language Centre, we will work closely with the local Gaelic community to offer bespoke Gaelic language courses on demand for specific groups including parents of children in Gaelic-medium education and members of staff employed by organisations with Gaelic Language Plans.


The Language Centre,

GLO

2-5

We will expand our Gaelic adult learning provision by introducing Gaelic language summer courses to the Centre for Open Studies | Ionad an Oilein Fhosgailte portfolio in 2013.


GLO

2

We will organise informative sessions on Gaelic-medium education annually where prospective parents amongst our staff and students have the opportunity to learn more about Gaelic medium education provision in Glasgow.

GLO 3


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4.2.2 Language UsageWe recognise that creating a sustainable future for Gaelic requires not only increasing the number of people able to speak the language, but increasing actual usage. We recognise the importance of enabling more people

to use Gaelic as their preferred and normal mode of communication in an increasingly wide range of daily activities.


We will continue to organise opportunities for both staff and students to use Gaelic on our campus through our series of regular Gaelic-related events including: weekly conversational opportunities, traditional ceilidhs, information sessions on Gaelic place-names, Gaelic arts workshops and literature events. See http://www.gla.ac.uk/gaelic for examples.

GLO, SRC

Ongoing

In order to further strengthen the Gaelic community at the University of Glasgow and to further develop our knowledge of our Gaelic community, we will investigate ways to gather statistics and information on the number of students at the University of Glasgow who speak Gaelic and who are pursuing academic courses other than Gaelic.

University Services, GLO

3

We will contribute to the strengthening of the Gaelic community in Scottish further and higher education by continuing to work closely and collaboratively with colleagues in the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Strathclyde and the UHI to share knowledge and experiences on Gaelic development.

GLO Ongoing

We will also continue to share information on regular Gaelic-related events with colleges and universities throughout Glasgow in order to widen participation in our events and strengthen the Gaelic community in further and higher education across the City of Glasgow.

GLO Ongoing

We will promote the Gaelic Language Residency Scheme extensively in secondary schools throughout Scotland to raise awareness of the opportunity for Gaelic-speakers to use Gaelic at the University of Glasgow regardless of their chosen area of academic study.

GLO 1

We will work closely with Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu and the local Gaelic community to develop customised opportunities for Gaelic speakers to access and experience the University’s Museum and Art Gallery through the medium of Gaelic.

Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery,

GLO 3

We will maintain our close working relationship with Gaelic organisations in Glasgow and ensure that staff and students are aware of community based Gaelic activity. Organisations include: Iomairt Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, Glasgow Life, Glasgow City Council, Deiseal Ltd, Sgoil Ghàidhlig Ghlaschu, the Gaelic Books Council and An Lòchran.

GLO Ongoing

We will conduct an in-depth staff audit to determine the number of posts at the University for which Gaelic is essential and/or desirable. Based on the outcome of such an audit, we may be in a position to incorporate Gaelic as a desirable skill into additional posts at the University.

GLO, HR

5


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4.2.3 Language Status We recognise that the status of a language is affected by its presence in the daily environment and the extent to which it is used, valued and perceived to be valued by those institutions which play an important role in our daily lives.

In addition to the series of pledges outlined in chapter 3, Commitments, which relate to the increased status of Gaelic through signage, incorporation of Gaelic events into established University events and the increased existence of bilingual and Gaelic-only literature, we will celebrate Gaelic language and culture on a large-scale campus-wide basis through the event detailed below.


We will celebrate Gaelic language and culture through a unique Gaelic Awareness Day organised on an annual basis. The Gaelic Awareness Day will consist of a series of special one off events, bilingual signage in all of our eateries; drop-in taster Gaelic sessions, public events, large-scale conversation circles in our eateries, student-led events and much more. This will allow us to profile our diverse portfolio of Gaelic activity and to promote the language generally.

GLO, Hospitality Services

1


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4.2.4 Language CorpusWe recognise the need to strengthen the relevance and consistency of Gaelic, the importance of facilitating translation services and to promote research into the language.


We are committed to the use and development of the Gaelic Orthographic Conventions as standard in all of our academic programmes and in our signage, publications and communications.

Celtic and Gaelic, Gaelic Committee

Ongoing

We will continue to contribute to the development of the Scottish Gaelic corpus through the management of critical corpus projects including: Corpas na Gàidhlig | The Corpus of Scottish Gaelic and Digital Archive of Scottish Gaelic | Dàta airson Stòras na Gàidhlig (DASG).

Celtic and Gaelic Ongoing

We will maintain our presence and contribution to important nation-wide projects and working groups which have or are currently contributing to the development and strengthening of Gaelic corpus. Our staff have contributed to, and in some cases continue to contribute to, the following national projects and/or working groups: Faclair na Gàidhlig, Ainmean-àite na h-Alba | Gaelic Place-names of Scotland, Board of Celtic Studies, LearnGaelic.net, Gaelic Language Summer School Working Group, various Bòrd na Gàidhlig working groups, Scottish Government working group for Gaelic in the Curriculum for Excellence.

Celtic and Gaelic, GLO,

Gaelic Committee Ongoing

We will conduct a small-scale research exercise to explore the potential impact of a bilingual corporate identity and associated marketing activity upon our internationalisation activities. It will gather data on the following:

• the attitudes of international students and staff towards a bilingual identity, bilingual signage on campus and bilingual marketing material and tools

• the impact a bilingual identity might have on recruitment of international staff and students (both positive and negative) and on the University’s internationalisation strategy more broadly

• the perceptions of international staff and students concerning Gaelic and the regeneration of the language.

The findings of this research will be shared with Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Government and the Universities of Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Strathclyde and the UHI.

Gaelic Committee 1

We will develop an appropriate Gaelic translation policy to deal with the various translation projects which will arise as a result of this Gaelic Language Plan.

Gaelic Committee,GLO

1


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“We will actively encourage the participation of staff in Gaelic-related training opportunities”


40

“The University of Glasgow recognises the importance of enabling more people to use Gaelic as their preferred language of choice”

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Implementation and Monitoring

41

5.1 Timescale This Gaelic Language Plan provides a detailed outline of the University of Glasgow’s planned commitments for the development of Gaelic language over the period of the next 5 years from 2012 - 2017.

5.2 Responsibility and Management This Gaelic Language Plan is an official policy of the University of Glasgow and has been endorsed by the University’s Senior Management Group.

The University’s Gaelic Committee, Gaelic Language Officer and responsible areas identified throughout the Plan, will have day-to-day responsibility for the development and implementation of suitable projects which will enable the University to fulfil its various commitments to the language.

In addition the University will ensure that Gaelic is considered in policies across the institution through our Equality Impact Assessments which are carried out under the terms of the Equality Act 2010 and ensure that the University’s policies and practices are equality-proof and not discriminatory.

On the occasion that any University service should be delivered by a third party, we will ensure that the provider is aware of the University’s commitment to the development of Gaelic and that they adhere to the aims and objectives outlined in this Plan. Where appropriate, and upon their appointment, providers will access the full document via our website.

The University of Glasgow will be responsible for resourcing the commitments outlined in this Plan with the additional support of Bòrd na Gàidhlig, the Scottish Government, the Scottish Funding Council and other funders on specific projects as appropriate.

5.3 Monitoring and Evaluating The Gaelic Language Officer will provide the Gaelic Committee with regular reports on the progress of implementing the Gaelic Plan which will be considered and communicated to the Senior Management Group.

We will collate statistical data in relation to: numbers attending Gaelic events, numbers of staff and students enrolled on Gaelic training courses and learning opportunities, Gaelic abilities amongst staff and numbers of students registered on academic programmes. Such figures will assist us in continuous evaluation of our approaches throughout the life of the Plan. Progress reports will be submitted to Bòrd na Gàidhlig on request.

5.4 Publicising the PlanOur Gaelic Language Plan will be published bilingually and will be made available both electronically and in printed form. The Plan will be available on our website and as a hard copy in our public offices and reception areas. In addition we will distribute copies of the plan to Non-departmental Public Bodies and agencies, to Gaelic organisations and to key stakeholders of the University. Copies of the Plan will also be made available on request to interested individuals and organisations.

On receiving approval of our Plan, we will circulate a bilingual press release announcing the launch of the Plan and arrange an appropriate event to mark the occasion. We will announce the launch of the Plan to all members of staff and students through our internal communications systems.

Our Gaelic Language Plan will always be available on our website within which the opportunity to communicate with the University through the medium of Gaelic is detailed. In addition, the University will demonstrate that it welcomes communication through the medium of Gaelic through the increased presence of Gaelic language online, in our publications and across University buildings.

Implementation and Monitoring of our Gaelic Plan

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 Implementation and Monitoring

42

5.5 Contact Information The senior officer with operational responsibility for overseeing preparation, delivery and monitoring of the University of Glasgow Gaelic Language Plan is:

Dr. Dorothy Welch Deputy SecretaryChair of the University’sGaelic Language Committee University of Glasgow GlasgowG12 8QQ

Telephone: +44 (0)141-330 2000Email: [email protected]

Queries about the day-to-day operation of the plan should be addressed to:

Fiona Dunn Gaelic Language Officer University of Glasgow 3 University Gardens GlasgowG12 8QQ

Telephone: +44 (0)141-330 8505Email: [email protected]


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“The University of Glasgow welcomes communications through the medium of Gaelic”

Documents

Gaelic Language Plan 2012 - 2017 - University of Glasgow