Alistair Sutherland reveals the inspiration behind his journey to learn Manx Gaelic

-------------------------

I guess I first became aware of the Manx language when I was a boy scout.

We were called upon to be a part of the Guard of Honour who on Tynwald Fair Day would line the rush strewn path leading from St John’s Chapel to Tynwald Hill.

When the dignatories had taken their places, formalities on the hill were underway and the new laws were being read out, we were allowed to relax and listen as the ceremony proceeded.

As we all know the new laws of the island are read out not only in the English language but also in Manx (Gaelg).

This first introduction to yn chengey ny mayrey (the mother tongue) must have subliminally planted a seed in my brain, that this strange language was something that I should know and understand.

As I became older and ventured beyond the boundaries of Douglas and frequented such haunts as the Whitehouse in Peel, where traditional music sessions were held most weekends, I again would hear the mother tongue being spoken.

Not being a musician and having no Manx at all, I would be confined to listening on the periphery.

However, the seed that had been planted in my youth was ever so slowly germinating and a pact was made with myself that I would learn to speak Manx.

During my 20s, a work colleague and myself decided that we would learn yn chengey ny mayrey and so I bought First Lessons in Manx by Edmund Goodwin.

Unfortunately for me this book, which is quite brilliant in the right circumstances as a classroom aid, was not ideal as a stand-alone learning guide.

My colleague and I, both at that time being married with very young children and having very little time for evening classes both failed to master the language.

Years quickly passed and circumstances changed. What hadn’t changed though was that I still didn’t have Manx.

I was single again and working for a law firm in Douglas.

We at this firm were very fortunate that our senior partner, after conversations with Manx Language Officer for Culture Vannin Adrian Cain asked if there was anyone in the office who would be interested in a weekly Manx lesson during lunch time.

There must have been about 10 or so within the office showing an interest.

And so began my serious attempt to learn Gaelg.

Importantly for me, I set myself no time limit to learn the language. I decided it would take as long as it took.

Adrian’s official title in Manx is Yn Greinneyder (The Encourager). And what an encourager he is.

Who would have thought that learning could be so much fun?

Such pleasure did I get from learning this ancient and wonderful language of ours that I sought out other classes and so, as well as to Adrian, I give grateful thanks to Fiona McArdle, Paul Salmon, Graham Naylor, Marilyn Crellin and others who freely give so much of their time to assist us students of the language.

I never learnt to speak a foreign language at school but now being a Gaelgeyr (Manx speaker) I am so proud at my ability to understand and speak yn chengey ny mayrey Mannin (the mother tongue of the Isle of Man).

If you wish to learn the language, or are already learning Manx, there is no doubt that it can be a challenge, and it can be frustrating. But when you get into it and when you suffer those occasional doubts wondering if you will ever master the language, just take a minute to look back to when you started learning and to where you currently are and you will be amazed at just how far you have come.

Aigh vie (Good luck) and cum seose y Ghaelg! (Keep up the Manx Language!)