Gaelic

Slices of Contemporary Hebridean Life and Work in 40 English and Gaelic videos presented for language learners

Craigard Day Centre – Re-Store Recycling Project – Hebridean Food – Ceòlas Summer School – Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre – Bi Beò Songwriters

Short online films with transcripts and translations, suitable for pre-intermediate to post-intermediate learners, totalling 3 hours of listening material divided evenly between the two languages

Download the Scottish Island Voices Catalogue

GD Craigard Day Centre Documentary

Content / topic: Care for adults with special needs

Duration
: 6 minutes

Level (listening level required): A2

Summary
: This is a short documentary about the Craigard Day Centre in Lochmaddy, North Uist. It’s a centre for people with disabilities, run by the Social Services Department of Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, the Western Isles Council.

Cultural notes
: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English.

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description

Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video


Transcription of video:

Gaelic text: www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/GD/GD01_GD.pdf

English text: www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/GD/GD01_EN.pdf

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Craigard Day Centre Client Interview

Content / topic: Care for adults with special needs

Duration
: 1.33 minutes

Level (listening level required): B1

Summary
: Donald Mackinnon is a client at Craigard Day Centre. Here he talks about his activities at Craigard. He also talks about the pictures he’s exhibiting at the Taigh Chearsabhagh art centre. He goes on to say what else he does during the week, mentioning the names (NAAFI, Lovats) of another workplace, and his musical activities at the weekend.

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English.

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing daily activities.


Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video:


Transcription of video:

Gaelic and English text: www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/GD/GD02_GD.pdf

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Craigard Day Centre Community Interview

Content / topic: Care for adults with special needs PLUS Traditional Skills

Duration
: 4.30 minutes

Level (listening level required): B2

Summary
: Flora Macdonald, a North Uist resident, talks first of all about the importance of Craigard in the community, and her own interactions with Donald MacKinnon. She goes on to describe her reasons for setting up the traditional skills exhibition in Taigh Chearsabhagh, and her own thoughts on their place in the community today.

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English.

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing activities, and expressing opinions

Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video:


Transcription of video:

Gaelic and English text: www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/GD/GD03_GD.pdf

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Re-Store Project Documentary

Content / topic: Furniture restoration and recycling
Duration: 5:03
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: The Re-Store Project is a social enterprise in South Uist. Old furniture is restored and recycled. The project also houses a book recycling scheme, and provides employment and training opportunities in the local community.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description of furniture recycling process, with the focus on the craftsman

Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:

Gaelic:../archive/video_data/GD/Re-Store_Gaelic.doc

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Re-Store Craftsman/Trainer Interview

Content / topic: Furniture restoration and recycling
Duration: 4:12
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Seumas Macdonald is the Craftsman/Trainer at the Re-Store project in Bornais, South Uist. He talks about the work and training they do, and the value of the project to the trainees and the community.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing daily activities, and explaining their importance
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:

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Re-Store Director Interview

Content / topic: Furniture restoration and recycling PLUS voluntary sector engagement in rural development
Duration
: 4:30
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Neil Macdonald is a director on the Board of Management of Cothrom, the community group that manages the Re-Store project. He describes the directors' responsibilities for the work of Cothrom in general and the importance of voluntary group involvement in island community life.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing management and community issues
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:

 

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Hebridean Smokehouse Documentary

Content / topic: Fish Processing
Duration
: 4:32
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: The Hebridean Smokehouse on North Uist processes salmon and other foodstuffs for a global market. This documentary illustrates the preparation and packaging of the product
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description of food preparation and packaging process, with the focus on the product
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:

Gaelic: ../archive/video_data/GD/Heb_Smoke_Gaelic.doc

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Hebridean Food: Environmental Health Interview

Content / topic: Food handling
Duration
: 6:07
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Alasdair MacEachen is an Environmental Health Officer in Benbecula. He describes the implications of his job in terms of both enforcement and education in particular relation to food handling and production.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English. 

Language notes
: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing job remit and regulatory framework

Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:
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Hebridean Food: Cookery Demonstration Documentary

Content / topic: Food preparation, and local specialities
Duration
: 7:02
Level (listening level required): A2

Summary
: The “Blas Uibhist” night was put on by the Ceòlas community group in South Uist to celebrate local food as well as music. Local food producers offered tastings of their products, and a well-known hotelier gave a cookery demonstration. The evening finished with live local music. The event was held in Gaelic, with simultaneous translation into English
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description, mixed with sections of authentic public speaking
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Transcription of video:
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Hebridean Food: Hotelier Interview

Content / topic: Food preparation, and local specialities
Duration
: 2:04
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Isabel Graham is a well-known hotelier and cook at the Orasay Inn in South Uist. Here she describes how she uses local produce when preparing meals for guests.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - expressing preferences and explaining choices
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Ceolas summer school documentary

Content / topic: Music Summer School, Tourism
Duration
: 6:48
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: The Ceòlas music summer school is held annually in South Uist. It aims to integrate traditional music and dance in a community setting. It has strong links with tutors from Cape Breton in Canada, where old styles of Scottish fiddling and stepdancing have been maintained. The school attracts students from around the world.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist and Eriskay in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Ceolas Chairperson Interview

Content / topic: Community impact of summer school
Duration
: 4:08
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Mary Macinnes is the chairperson of the local committee that organises the summer school each year. She describes the activities of the group and the impact of Ceolas on the local community.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing activities, and assessing impacts
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Ceolas Administrator Interview

Content / topic: Administrative procedures for summer school
Duration
: 2:15
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Mary Ellen Stewart is the administrator of the summer school. She describes the tasks that need to be done leading up to and during the week.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - listing and describing tasks
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Ceolas Student Interview

Content / topic: Educational impact of summer school
Duration
: 2:03
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Ruairidh MacIlleathain is a well-known Gaelic broadcaster with a particular interest in Gaelic learners. He is attending Ceolas for the first time. He talks about the quality of the instruction in his chosen subjects, and assesses the value of the school for learners of Gaelic.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in South Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing learning activities and giving personal opinions
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Taigh Chearsabhagh Museum and Art Centre Documentary

Content / topic: Museum and Art Centre, Tourism
Duration
: 7:20
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: Taigh Chearsabhagh is a key attraction for both visitors and local people in North Uist. It has an important development and educational role in the visual arts, as well as in conserving and displaying aspects of local culture and history.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:
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Taigh Chearsabhagh Heritage Officer Interview

Content / topic: Heritage development
Duration

Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Caitriona MacCuish is the Heritage Officer at Taigh Chearsabhagh. She describes what the job entails and what she enjoys about working there.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - describing job remit and satisfaction
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Taigh Chearsabhagh Student Interview

Content / topic: Value of museum and art centre as visitor attraction and educational centre
Duration
:
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: Donald Ferguson speaks as a student on the first year of the BA in Fine Art that is hosted by Taigh Chearsabhagh. He describes and comments on the facilities in the centre and the quality of services and teaching staff on the course.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - listing and grading services and facilities
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Bi Beo Songwriting Documentary

Content / topic: Media Studies
Duration
:
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: Kevin De Las Casas and James McLetchie, both resident in North Uist, write and perform songs with their group “Bi Beò”. The documentary follows the song creation process from initial ideas round a kitchen table through musical arrangement to studio recording.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist and Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Simple documentary narrative and description
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:
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Bi Beo Lyricist Interview

Content / topic: Lyric writing and interpretation
Duration
:
Level (listening level required): B2
 

Summary: James McLetchie talks about what prompted him to write the words to the song “Na seann daoine”. He explains the references to local people and family members, talks about the importance of social customs and the physical environment in Uist, and reflects on how things have changed in his local community.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in North Uist in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Unscripted authentic speech at natural pace, exhibiting characteristic "performance errors" - false starts, pauses, repetitions, etc - explaining writing process
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

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Transcription of video:
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Bi Beo Song

Content / topic: Community heritage and change
Duration
:
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: The song “Na seann daoine” was created by James McLetchie and Kevin De Las Casas for performance by their group “Bi Beò”. This is a “first cut” recording made in Benbecula.
 

Cultural notes: Recorded in Benbecula in the Outer Hebrides, where a high proportion of the community is bilingual in Gaelic and English
 

Language notes: Poetic verses and chorus
 

Copyright: CopyLeft

Video:

Transcription of video:
Please right-click and select "Save Target As" N.B. the song text is copyrighted! But may be used for language teaching.

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A’ cur uèirichean ri pluga

Content / topic: Electrician
Duration
: 6:44
Level (listening level required): A2
 

Summary: Step by step instruction on how to wire a plug. The plug used is a British type with a fuse

Cultural notes
: Instructional video which may be suitable for all vocations

Language notes: Typical instructions. Intermediate

Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video:


Transcription of video
:
Gaelic text: www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/gd/Wiring_a_plug_gd.pdf 

English text: www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/uk/Wiring_a_plug_EN.pdf

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A’ cur uèirichean ri pluga (Elementary)

Content / topic: Electrician
Duration
: ´6:44
Level (listening level required): A1
 

Summary: Step by step instruction on how to wire a plug. The plug used is a British type with a fuse

Cultural notes
: Instructional video which may be suitable for all vocations

Language notes: Typical instructions. Simplified version.

Copyright
: CopyLeft

Video:


Transcription of video
:
Gaelic text:
www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/gd/e_Wiring_a_plug_gd.pdf 

English text:
www.languages.dk/archive/video_data/uk/e_Wiring_a_plug_EN.pdf

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Last edit: 10-06-2011

 

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