2000 Immersion Weekend

Failte gu Richmond!

An Comunn Gaidhealach-America (ACGA) will host our 4th annual Scottish Gaelic Language Immersion Weekend at Roslyn Center in Richmond, Virginia. Join us Friday, 16 June through Sunday, 18 June 2000 for another challenging and enjoyable event!

Our Immersion Weekend is an exceptional opportunity designed to draw together Scottish Gaelic (Gàidhlig) students and native speakers in an atmosphere of study and fellowship under the tutelage of internationally noted teachers. Activities are structured to meet the needs of those who are just beginning their Gaelic study, along with those of intermediate and advanced students. The weekend also provides extended opportunities for more proficient students and native speakers to gather and enjoy Gaelic conversation in a beautiful setting.

Gaelic instruction will be offered at 4 levels:

• New Beginner

• Advanced Beginner

• Intermediate

• Advanced

And workshops will be held in Gaelic song and many other related topics.

There will also be extracurricular activities, including a social mixer on Friday evening and a Saturday night ceilidh, where students are invited to share their singing, dancing, poetic and instrumental talents in a participatory acoustic environment.

The tuition is available at a discount for early registrants and for ACGA members. Tuition covers classes, materials, lodging for two nights, meals, and activities. A limited number of private rooms are available for an additional fee.

Travel information and other details will be sent upon receipt of registration and fees. For those traveling by airline, we recommend Richmond International Airport (RIC) and local transportation services.

Co bhitheas a' teagaisg?    [Who will be teaching?]

David Livingston-Lowe teaches Scots Gaelic language in the Celtic Studies Program at the University of Toronto. He has studied Gaelic in Nova Scotia, Scotland, and Ireland and has been involved in several local efforts to promote the Gaelic language in Ontario. He has recently translated the poetry of a 19th century immigrant Gael in Ontario.

Effie Rankin is a native Gaelic speaker from North Uist. She formally studied Gaelic (as well as German and Latin!) at the Inverness Royal Academy before enrolling in Glasgow University and earning a degree in Celtic Studies. Since 1972, she has taught Gaelic in the Inverness County (Cape Breton) public schools, the Gaelic College, and St. Francis Xavier University, and has served as ACGAÕs Mod Adjudicator.

Deborah Livingston-Lowe has a degree in Celtic Studies from the University of Toronto. Her Gaelic studies have taken her to Sabhal M˜r Ostaig, An Ceathramh in Scotland and the Gaelic College in Nova Scotia. She began teaching Gaelic in 1990, first in a childrenÕs playgroup and later in adult community courses. Deborah currently teaches in an ESL kindergarten in Toronto.

Seumas Watson is Gaelic editor for Am Brˆighe magazine, and Gaelic Heritage Co-ordinator at Nova Scotia Highland Village in Iona, Cape Breton. He has taught Gaelic language and conducted workshops for more than 20 years. Seumas specializes in seanachas (tales or stories), basing his lessons on field work in Cape BretonÕs Gaelic-speaking communities. He provides distance tutorial services through Gaeltalk Communications, and is well-known in Scotland and Ireland.

Advanced learners and other teachers attending the Immersion will also be available to interact with beginners and assist them with their studies. Everyone is welcome!
(Staff subject to change.)

Schedule of Activities    (tentative)

The Venue

Roslyn Conference Center sets on 150 scenic acres on the James River, two miles west of Richmond. Facilities offer air-conditioned rooms with daily room service, double occupancy with limited singles (extra charge). During free time, enjoy the spring-fed outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts, nature trails, volleyball and horseshoe pits.