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Video Tapes

 


Here are some language and other videos available in Gaelic. Here are those we know about.

I recommend making a copy of any language video and then using the copy. These videos can be hard to get and expensive – you may be quite upset if your player eats one. Under copyright laws, you may make one copy for your personal use. Making copies for other people is not only against the law, but robs the maker of profits and is not supportive of the language.

Video Formats

A note about formats. Unlike audio tapes, all video tapes are not equal. In particular, videos in the UK are formatted differently than those in North America. The US and Canada use a format called NTSC, while the UK uses PAL. They are both VHS (just a size indicator) so a PAL tape will fit in your player, but you won't get anything meaningful when you play it. (To make things even more complicated, in each country people refer to their own format as VHS. For instance, Cànan talks about tapes in NTSC and VHS on their website. What they mean is NTSC and PAL.)

So, to play videos from Scotland, you have 3 choices. You can purchase videos in NTSC format if they are available. Much of 'Speaking Our Language' is now available in NTSC, for instance. You can purchase the PAL video and have an NTSC copy made by a commercial outfit which does such things. (This is not a copyright violation, by the way. In purchasing a tape in one format, you are allowed to have one conversion copy made for your personal use.) Prices vary by area, but in general the conversion will be more than the price of the original tape! The last option is to purchase a PAL video player and a PAL TV, or a converter box or VCR. (Or you can find a friend who has one.)

The Videos

Abair!

A real treat if you can find it, and have the money to convert it. There are 2 videos (about 5 total hours). This is a 15 minute or so show that ran on Grampian Television, and was produced by Comunn na Gàidhlig. Lots of people talking about a different subject each show (Music, Food, Books, etc.) Ordinary people talking at normal speed. It was last seen at Mullean Dubh for a low price accompanied by a transcript-book. Unfortunately, it only seems to be available in PAL.

Baile Mhuilinn 1

Children's programs from BBC Alba. 20 10-minute programs, each featuring a miller, his puppet horse, and visitors. In each show, you are treated to a nursery-rhyme type of song, a story, and some dialog.

This is a Gaelic Mr. Rogers, which would probably annoy you if you had to watch it with your kids in English, but is a wonderful resource for the learner. The language level is advanced beginner, and it is easy to follow what's going on, even when the language leaves you in the dust. Much more accessible than Abair for beginners.

There is also a book, which has the songs and exercises, and an audio tape, with the songs. These are available from Cànan, and The Gaelic Books Council.

Unfortunately, this seems to be only available in PAL format. The number '1' in the title is encouraging for those who want additional videos in the future.

Can Seo

Before "Speaking Our Language", there was "Can Seo". This is a 5-video series that was produced in 1978 containing 20 half-hour programs for Gaelic learners from beginner level to a good basic understanding of the language. There are skits, a Gaelic soap opera, and glimpses of the culture. (There is a  book and tapes as well, which are out of print.)

These videos are available for ACGA members to borrow free; only the actual postage is charged for mailing each of the five videos to and from the librarian. A $50 initial deposit is required. The tapes you can borrow are in NTSC format.

For more details, contact the librarian:

     Anne Landin
     1690 Plainfield Church Road,
     Siler City, NC   27344

Mire Mara

Put out by BBC Scotland, this is a children's show, or rather a series, featuring one human (Chalptean Dòmhnall) and a lot of muppet-like characters (Goban the Gannet and Luthaidh the Rat, for instance.) An interesting comprehension challenge, as the puppets are often hard to understand. Only available in PAL. 70 minutes total length.

An Sgoth

This is a beautiful and moving film (about an hour long) about the building of a Hebridean skiff. Almost all the dialog is in Gaelic, with English subtitles. Gaelic non-speakers will like this one. The only copies I've seen for sale are PAL, but I did see an NTSC copy at the Gaelic College in Cape Breton, so they exist. Put out by Eolas Productions.

Skye the Island
(An t-Eilean)

A music video/scenic tour of Skye. The songs and voice-over are in Gaelic, with English sub-titles for the voice-over. Features Arthur Cormack, among others. Available in NTSC from music sources, such as Tayberry.

Speaking Our Language

72 half-hour shows, divided into 4 series of two tape sets each, this is massive, and can be expensive for the whole set. Put out by Cànan, they also have books and audio tapes (any of which can be used separately). Lots of repetition, the stress is on commonly used phrases, with little grammar. Lots of speakers in many situations. NTSC is available for the first 4 videos.




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