I literally fell in love with them all when I first heard them, and would love to one day be articulate in them all. I have been teaching myself Manx Gaelic for 6 months now, although it is hard to find the time to practise. I chose this language to begin with, as I found some very excellent online resources. I hope to start taking formal classes in one of the languages of an evening or summer soon.

I feel that these languages are an important part of my paganism, because I would like to incorporate Celtic tradition into my religion, and thought that learning the languages would be a nice, relatively organised place to start. I feel that a ritual spoken in these languages could add an extra dimension to it's potency and mystery.

Below I outline each of the languages, and give some links to some good information and learning sites.


Manx Gaelic

or Gaelg, is the language of the Isle of Mann, and unfortunately, does not have any native speakers left. The language died in the 70s when it's last native speaker deceased, but was well preserved and was given official recognition in 1985. It is a Goidelic, or 'Q' Celtic language, which Yn Cheshaght Ghailckagh (the Manx Gaelic Society) founded in 1899, as well as other independant enthusiasts, helped to preserve and protect. The best learning site I have found is this - Manx Gaelic Resources.


Cornish

or Kernewek in the native tongue, is the language of Cornwall, which was once a country in it's own right under Celtic rule. This language was also rid of it's native speakers and then lovingly revived, although it was slightly earlier than Manx, around the 1800s. There was no official society to help it's survival, due to it's relevant obscurity, and it's preservation depended on a few dedicated traditional families. It is a Brythonic, or 'P' Celtic language, and it's preservation was helped slightly thanks to the published work of Henry Jenner in 1904, as well as other scholars. However, the schools of thought remain divided as to some of the details of the language, such as correct spellings etc. due to the different opinions of these men. The best beginners site I have found is Kresenn an Yeth Kernewek (the Cornish Language Centre).


Irish Gaelic

or Gaeilge. SMO, mentioned under Scots Gaelic, has some good links for beginnners.


Welsh

or Cymraeg, is probably the most well known, well supported and most widely spoken of the Celtic languages, and has always had, and still does to this day, a large number of native speakers. It is a Brythonic, or 'P' Celtic language, and it's initial preservation again was helped by a number of societies and pressure groups. However, this language also had considerable government support in it's preservation, and as a result, it can be said Welsh was the most successful in doing this, as it's popularity is actually on the increase as of late. The language boasts it's own radio stations, including BBC Radio Cymru, which broadcasts over 120 hours a week in Welsh and it's own TV channel, S4C, which was established in 1982. The government was also gave it's support here, giving grants to promoting organisations, and finally passing the Welsh Language Act of 1993, stating equality between Welsh and English. The Welsh Language Board's site can be found here, as well as the BBC's Catchphrase, which is an online course in Welsh, updated every week.


Scottish Gaelic

or Gàidhlig, is a living, breathing Goidelic, or 'Q' Celtic language, with native speakers still being born and raised in Scotland. Formerly the Picts, the Scots under pressure gradually began to phase out Gaelic, and as time passed, they began to severely punish all Gaelic speakers. In light of this, An Comunn Gaidhealach was formed in 1899, which was a Gaelic society that served to promote the language. In 1918, the education act decided to once again teach Gaelic in schools, but the punishment for people found speaking Gaelic continued. It was only in 1969 when a more radical group was set up, called Comunn na Canain Albannaich (CNCA), that things really began to change, as they protested and campaigned to get Gaelic integrated back into Scotland. Interest and support grew, until eventually in 1973, a gaelic college was opened on the Isle of Skye, called Sabhal Mor Ostaig, which still remains the primary starting point for Gaelic learners.


Breton

or Kervarker, is spoken in West Brittany, France. Brittany is so named, after the Bretons emigrated there and claimed it for Celtic rule, and is the original Brythonic, or 'P' Celtic language from which Cornish and Welsh are derived. The language survived through various publications and pieces of literature down the ages, and into the 20th C with theatre, poetry and novels, and has since always had writers working in it's language. The teaching of Breton was prohibited until 1951, and after that, it steadily increased until a full degree was created. However, since 1993, the French government refuses to give it's support to the language, both in laws and in teaching, and so it still remains in obscurity, and is formally outlawed at this present time. The previousely mentioned Sabhal Mor Ostaig recommends the following site Kervarker.