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Language Village

Fàilte don Bhaile Chànain! - Welcome to the Language Village! Gàidhlig is the oldest surviving language of Scotland. It offers a unique perspective on the history, culture and future of Scotland and communities of Gaels, wherever they are. The Language Village is an interactive, engaging space where Gàidhlig is being spoken, visitors are introduced to the language, and everyone can take part in singing, learning, and other activities. We will run a variety of language activities throughout the festival designed to educate festival goers about the broader Gaelic culture using a “hands on” learning approach including: static and video displays, waulking songs and demos, poetry, music, and introductory Gàidhlig classes. Harp playing is throughout the day.
The Language Village is operated by Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taigh Mhóir (The Gaelic School of Baltimore), and is made possible by a partnership with Virginia Scottish Games.Sgoil Gàidhlig Bhaile an Taigh Mhóir teaches the Scottish Gaelic language in its contemporary and historical context, and builds Gaelic community in the Chesapeake region. We are dedicated to cultivating new Gaelic speakers, using methods that honor and perpetuate Gaelic culture and language.Do you want to learn Gaelic? Are you interested in exploring the culture and history of the language? Are you interested in Gaelic singing or Gaelic stories or Gaelic poetry?
New this Year - Cape Breton Dancing
Cape Breton Step Dancing originated in Highland Gaelic society and predates Highland Dancing in its modern form (though they may share a common root). During the 18th and 19th centuries, chain migration from the highlands to Nova Scotia along with the relative isolation of Cape Breton allowed older cultural practices to be maintained while they died out in Scotland. In the latter half of the 20th century, a number of Cape Bretoners returned to Scotland to re-teach the old style, and it has steadily regained popularity there since then."
Saturday
10:00 am - 10:45 am - Gaelic Song Workshop with Seán Heely 11:00 am - 11:45 am - Gaelic Language for Beginners 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm - Gaelic Poetry 2:00 pm - Cape Breton Step Dancing 3:30 pm - 4:10 pm - Waulking Songs & Activity
Sunday
10:00 am - 10:45 am - Gaelic Song Workshop with Seán Heely 11:00 am - Noon - Children’s Program - Gaelic songs and games for children 1:00 pm - 1:45 pm - Gaelic Language for Beginners 2:30 pm - 2:45 pm - Waulking Songs & Activity 3:00 pm - Cape Breton Step Dancing
Music, Conversation, and Games throughout the day
Contact
P.O. Box 1338 Alexandria VA 22313 US
FESTIVAL Address
5089 Old Tavern RoadThe Plains, VA 20198
Hours
Labor Day Weekend Saturday & Sunday9:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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