The University of Glasgow and Glasgow City Council have launched a digital tool designed to strengthen the city’s Gaelic speaking community.
Named Gaelic Connect, it is a web app created to help develop Gaelic networks across the city.
The app was unveiled at the start of Seachdain na Gàidhlig/World Gaelic Week. The university described the launch as a significant milestone in Glasgow’s commitment to becoming a leading city for Gaelic language and culture.
It said the app includes gamification features that reward users for speaking Gaelic in real life settings, along with access to learning resources and community forums.
The latter can be used for organising events such as an informal cèilidh at a local pub, a game of Gaelic scrabble in a café or a formal language meet up.
The app has been developed through an interdisciplinary collaboration between researchers and software developers at the University of Glasgow, the project builds on extensive community research and feedback.
Natural use of language
Professor Bernadette O’Rourke, professor of sociolinguistics at the University of Glasgow’s School of Modern Languages and Culture, said: “Language thrives when it’s woven into the fabric of everyday life. For speakers of Gaelic and other minoritised languages, having accessible spaces where they can naturally use their language - whether it’s chatting over coffee or simply going about their day - is absolutely vital.
“With Gaelic Connect, we’re not creating artificial environments but rather empowering the Gaelic community to find and create these spaces organically.”
The initiative is part of Glasgow City Council’s Aon Glaschu (One Glasgow) project, which aims to promote Gaelic language growth throughout the city.
Further work on the project is ongoing, with multiple phases envisioned to improve the app based on user feedback and community needs. The research team also hope to use data from the app to provide information to bodies like Glasgow City Council on how Gaelic is used in the city, and what other services may be needed.
Cormac Quinn, corporate policy manager at Glasgow City Council, said: “Gaelic Connect will give the city’s Gaelic community easier access to find and nurture accessible spaces to meet and create comfortable environments to develop their love of language.”
The university said the app will be available for download on all major mobile platforms.
