Staffan Overgaard explains how he was more than happy to add Manx Gaelic to the four languages he spoke already.

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Even Swedes can learn Manx Gaelic.

I speak five languages and understand two.

One of those language freaks you may think, one who would rather read grammar books for breakfast instead of Manx Tails and collect languages as any normal person collects stamps, coins or whatever. Nothing could be more wrong.

I did not like learning new languages, but I had to.

Strangely enough learning new languages has not been my choice, except for one language, which I will get back to. I had to learn new languages. I had no choice.

The problem is that I really do not like learning languages. Most likely it puts you in awkward and painful situations, and who wants that? I also think I’m not good at it either. I think learning languages is like learning to swim. Half-drowning you fight to get to the other side of the pool, swallowing cold water, water in your nose and water everywhere where it should not be.

I was born and brought up in Sweden so my first language was of course Swedish. When I was seven years of age we moved to Santiago in Chile, when my father was working for the UN. My parents put me in a Spanish school after three months in the country. My Spanish was very rudimentary at that time, and I learned a few words playing with other kids before school started. But, after two years, I managed to be fluent.

My third language was English. It is a major language, and I’m still learning it.

In my school in Sweden we learnt German, and I think I got up to an acceptable level even though I’ve forgotten a bit today.

I said that I understood two languages, Norwegian and Danish. I can understand them but cannot speak. That is kind of included in the package when you learn Swedish.

But I did not have to learn Manx Gaelic. I could have gone mainstream English. But I have five reasons why I started to learn Manx Gaelic.

I think it is good manners and courtesy to learn the local language to a country you moved to. The problem with Manx Gaelic is that is not widely spoken.

The second reason is cultural. If I want to learn about Manx culture, then I must learn the language. I think the language is the utmost sign of a country’s culture.

The third reason is that I think that Manx Gaelic is a very valuable asset for the Isle of Man.

When considering values of a brand, and Isle of Man is a brand, then you have to consider uniqueness and how to differentiate yourself.

There are so many islands in the world which are green, beautiful, have a great culture and where the majority language is English. But there is only one where the native language is Manx Gaelic. I think that should be capitalized on.

Most people can say ’moghrey mie’, but then it stops. I enjoy saying a bit more then ’moghrey mie’. Perhaps say ’how are you?’ in Manx Gaelic, and a response. Is that not fun? At least it will surprise people sometimes.

The fifth reason is that a language jogs a person’s memory. It is not a guarantee that it will fight dementia, but I’ve at least done something.

So, when I decided to learn Manx Gaelic I called the language officer for Culture Vannin, Adrian Cain. That must be the obvious way I thought.

He said that he was starting a new class in a few weeks’ time, but it was overbooked. Polite as he was he said you can come and have a look. I’m still in the same class two years later.

I also attended a class with Sam Hudson who helped me understand more. I had Geoff Pickles as a private teacher for a couple of months last year, which was great. I also attended numerous classes, lunches and other language activities.

I cannot believe I’m saying this but I must admit that it is quite fun to learn a new language, at least Manx Gaelic. The way of learning a language today is much better and relaxed in comparison when I went to school. Also with increasing age I do not care if I say something wrong or stupid. I’ve outgrown any embarrassments.

If I can learn Manx Gaelic you can too.