Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Irish 101: An Introduction to Irish Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to Ireland’s culture by learning the basics of the Irish language. Engage with Irish culture and history through language. Ireland is home to a unique language and a vibrant Gaelic culture. On this course, you’ll discover how Irish people drew inspiration from nature to create their own unique script and alphabet.

Class Deals by MOOC List - Click here and see FutureLearn's Active Discounts, Deals, and Promo Codes.

You’ll explore Ireland’s rich culture of dance, Gaelic games, music, storytelling and literature. And you’ll gain an insight into the language of Ireland and the people who speak it.
So take the first step on your journey to learn one of the oldest literary languages in Europe.

What topics will you cover?

  • Introduction to the Irish language
  • Ogham and the first writing in Irish
  • The alphabet & pronunciation
  • Greetings, blessings and curses
  • Irish names and mythology
  • Me, my family and where I come from
  • An overview of the Gaeltachtaí and other cultural places in Ireland
  • Numbers and counting
  • The home and social life
  • Amenities, directions and Gaelic sport

What will you achieve?
By the end of the course, you'll be able to...

  • Engage with the Irish language through culture
  • Explore the beginnings of the written language through learning about OGHAM and the origins of the Irish alphabet
  • Discuss greetings, blessings and curses in the Irish language
  • Discuss where you and your people come from
  • Describe your family, your home and your interests
  • Compare Irish names and gain an understanding of naming conventions in Irish
  • Explore the cultural association of the language with mythology, sport and music
  • Identify the Gaeltachtaí or Irish speaking areas where Irish is the main language of communication
Go to Class
MOOC List is learner-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Related Courses

Introduction to Dutch (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Groningen

Introduction to Dutch (FutureLearn)

Learn to speak, write and understand basic Dutch, with this free, three-week, introductory foreign language course. Are you planning to visit, or work or study in the Netherlands soon? This free online course is perfect if you have little or no prior knowledge of Dutch, but would like to master the fundamentals in order to survive life in the Low Countries.

Self Paced
3 Weeks
Irish 203: Irish Language and Culture for Adults (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Dublin City University

Irish 203: Irish Language and Culture for Adults (FutureLearn)

Develop your Irish language skills whilst discovering Irish culture with Dublin City University. Learn Irish and be inspired by the rich culture of Ireland. On this course, you’ll develop your knowledge of the Irish language and explore the many facets of Ireland’s culture. The course is set at an elementary level and, by the end of the course, you should feel more confident speaking and understanding Irish grammar at a more intermediate level.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Irish 205: Irish language and Culture for Adults (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Dublin City University

Irish 205: Irish language and Culture for Adults (FutureLearn)

Develop your Irish language skills while exploring the richness of Irish culture. Work toward intermediate-level Irish using real-world examples. This course will let you progress your Irish, while delving into the varied culture of the country. You’ll learn how to discuss languages in Irish, and compare different languages to each other. Following on from Irish 204, you’ll discover how to describe radio and TV shows in Irish, as well as discuss Irish literature, talking about your opinions of books and how to recommend a book to a friend.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
English as a Medium of Instruction for Academics (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Southampton

English as a Medium of Instruction for Academics (FutureLearn)

Equip yourself to teach in international contexts by increasing your English language skills and intercultural knowledge. As universities work to become globally competitive courses taught in English are expanding. Those working in Higher Education are often thrown into producing academic work in English – either as teachers or researchers – without training in English language or intercultural skills.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Trinity College Dublin

The Book of Kells: Exploring an Irish Medieval Masterpiece (FutureLearn)

Discover medieval Ireland using the Book of Kells, a ninth-century manuscript featuring the four gospels of the new testament. The Book of Kells manuscript, housed at Trinity College Dublin is world famous - it attracts almost one million visitors a year. But what can this book tell us about Irish history? And what significance is the manuscript in today’s world?

Self Paced
4 Weeks
English for Academic Study (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
Coventry University

English for Academic Study (FutureLearn)

Prepare to study at university, explore the qualities of a successful student, and learn key vocabulary in an academic context. Increase your knowledge of English for academic study. If you are preparing to study at a university where the first language is English, either on campus or online, this course aims to help you understand what is expected, and develop skills to help you learn independently and build your confidence.

Self Paced
2 Weeks
Unleash Your Potential: Global Citizenship (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Bristol

Unleash Your Potential: Global Citizenship (FutureLearn)

Get an introduction to what it means to be a global citizen and the opportunities it creates. As our world continues to face some grand challenges, how can we act as global citizens to create a fairer society for all? Get an introduction to what global citizenship is, and what it means to be part of a global community, with this online course from the University of Bristol.

Self Paced
4 Weeks
Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture (FutureLearn) FutureLearn
University of Leeds

Introduction to Intercultural Studies: Language and Culture (FutureLearn)

Explore intercultural communication by understanding the relationship between language and cultural identity. Examine the relationship between language, nationality and cultural identity. On this course you will analyse why language is a social construction and examine how it relates to cultural identity.

Self Paced
2 Weeks