Over the past few years, one thing has become increasingly clear to me: language does not live through information alone. It lives through relationship.
Beginning this winter, I’ll be offering a new term-based learning circle called Foundations of Gàidhlig — designed for returning and near-beginners who want to move beyond apps, isolated study, or one-off classes, and into shared, relational practice.
This is not a drop-in course, and it’s not designed around performance or perfection. It’s a learning circle — paced, structured, and held in community.
Who This Learning Circle Is For
Foundations of Gàidhlig is designed for people who have already met the language in some way.
This may include:
learners who began with self-study or apps like Duolingo
people who took a class in the past and drifted away
near-beginners who understand some basics and are ready for continuity
motivated learners who want to practice with others, not alone
It’s especially well-suited to people who learn best through relationship rather than competition, and who are willing to show up imperfectly and consistently.
It is not designed as a first-ever exposure with no prior contact at all, nor as an advanced or fluency-level programme. If you’re unsure whether it’s a fit, you’re welcome to ask.
A Different Learning Model
This programme is intentionally term-based, not drop-in.
Language learning here happens:
progressively, week by week
through shared responsibility
in the presence of others
with clear expectations and mutual support
Rather than treating learners as consumers of content, the learning circle treats participants as members of a small, temporary community. Language is used, not performed. Confidence grows through practice, not pressure.
Structure & Rhythm
The Winter 2026 term runs from mid-January through early March, and includes both structured learning and supported conversation practice.
Wednesdays (7–9pm PT, Zoom)
Structured language sessions focused on:
core grammatical patterns
usable vocabulary
pronunciation and listening
cultural context where it supports understanding
These sessions are recorded for registered participants.
Sundays (7–8pm PT, Zoom)
A guided cearcall còmhradh (conversation circle), where current learning is put into use through shared practice. These sessions are not recorded and are an integral part of the programme, not optional add-ons.
The term concludes with an in-person Cèilidh in early March, intended especially for Vancouver Island and Gulf Islands participants, replacing a final Sunday Zoom session.
Group size is intentionally small, with space for 8–12 participants.
Commitment, Not Perfection
You don’t need fluency to participate.
You do need:
willingness to attend consistently
readiness to practice between sessions
openness to learning alongside others
This learning circle works because people show up for one another. The container is relational, not transactional.
Accessibility & Sustainability
Pricing is offered on a three-tier sliding scale, with additional flexibility through conversation where appropriate. Members of Cinneadh nan Gàidheal receive a further discount, and community contribution arrangements may be possible in some cases.
The structure is designed to support learners and to be sustainable for the person holding the container. No scarcity theatre, no overextension — just clear agreements and humane expectations.
Why Offer This Through Monarch?
For me, this work sits naturally alongside the other ways I support people.
Learning a language — especially one rooted in kinship, story, and place — is not separate from nervous system regulation, identity repair, or relationship with the more-than-human world. It asks for patience, humility, and presence.
Foundations of Gàidhlig is offered in that same spirit.
If you’d like more details, or information, please email me, and I’ll be happy to respond.
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Language lives through relationship.
Teàrlach Eshū