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Laura Winters

Suitable for those who have completed my beginners Class here on Udemy. This course is ideal for those students who want to make strides towards fluency in a short period of time, who are highly motivated and have an aptitude for learning languages. The lectures are chock full of useful tips, tricks and clear explanations.  This course is self-paced and students will have life time access to these engaging lectures. By the end of this course, students will have a comprehensive knowledge of The Present Tense, a basic understanding of the Copula "to be" and will have improved pronunciation and broadened their vocabulary base considerably. Those who studied Irish in school and are returning after a long hiatus should take the Beginners Class first. All levels are welcome. By the end of this course students will feel sufficiently confident to join a conversation class, attend an Irish language event or visit the Gaeltacht. Irish is a beautiful Celtic language and a wonderful gift to pass on to the next generation. Having completed this intermediate course, students will be able to progress to The Advanced Course where they will master the Future and the Conditional Tenses and The Copula (Advanced). Welcome to an Meánchúrsa.

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What's inside

Learning objectives

  • The present tense
  • Phrases and proverbs
  • Vocabulary
  • The copula: an chopail (an introduction)

Syllabus

Use the Present Tense to ask and answer questions.
Introduction to the Present Tense: First Conjugation
An Aimsir Láithreach: An 1 ú Réimniú: Leathan agus Caol
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Gap

In Irish, we have a verb called The Copula. We use it mainly when we are saying that a noun is a noun e.g. The man is a teacher. Is múinteoir é an fear. We also have a verb "to be" "Bí" (bheith") which is an Irregular Verb. We use this when we are saying that a subject noun is an adjective e.g. Seán is tall: Tá Seán ard.

This is an introduction to the Copula. We will delve more deeply into this grammar concept in the Advanced Irish Course. For now, we are familiarising ourselves with Is/Ní/An and and the word order in this construction.

The different ways of saying goodbye and expressing how much you miss home, your family or life in your home country.

Traffic lights

Read about what's good
what should give you pause
and possible dealbreakers
Builds upon a beginner's course, making it suitable for learners who have some familiarity with basic Irish grammar and vocabulary
Focuses on the present tense, which is a foundational element for building fluency in Irish and understanding more complex grammatical structures
Provides an introduction to the copula, which is a unique feature of Irish grammar and essential for constructing certain types of sentences
Aims to improve pronunciation, which is crucial for effective communication and understanding of spoken Irish
Encourages learners to join conversation classes and attend Irish language events, which may require travel and additional expenses
Requires completion of a beginner's class first, which may not suit learners who already have some prior experience with the Irish language

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Reviews summary

Structured intermediate irish

According to learners, this course provides a structured and clear approach to intermediate Irish grammar, particularly focusing on the Present Tense and offering a valuable introduction to the Copula. Students appreciate the clear explanations and practical examples provided in the lectures, finding them effective for solidifying their understanding. Many feel the course successfully builds confidence and provides a solid foundation for using the language in everyday situations, making it a good stepping stone towards conversation or visiting the Gaeltacht. While generally positive, some note that the pace is brisk and requires dedicated effort, and the Copula section is explicitly an introduction, necessitating further study for mastery.
Provides a foundational intro to The Copula.
"The introduction to the Copula was helpful for understanding its basic use, but it's definitely just a starting point."
"I got a good grasp of the 'Is' form of the Copula from this course, as promised in the syllabus."
"Useful basic overview of An Chopail, sets the stage for more advanced study."
"The module on the Copula gave me just enough to start recognizing and using simple forms."
Strong focus on mastering the Present Tense.
"This course gives a really solid foundation in the present tense, which is crucial for speaking."
"I feel much more comfortable using verbs in the present tense after all the practice and examples."
"The extensive coverage of regular and irregular present tense verbs is a major strength."
"If you need to nail down the present tense, this course does an excellent job covering it comprehensively."
Useful vocabulary and practical phrases included.
"The vocabulary introduced is very practical for daily conversation."
"Liked the inclusion of useful phrases and proverbs alongside the grammar."
"Broadened my vocabulary base considerably with the lists and examples provided."
"Learned some great ways to say goodbye and express longing that feel very authentic."
Helps learners feel ready to use language.
"I feel much more confident speaking simple sentences in Irish after completing this course."
"This course gave me the courage to try out some phrases with native speakers."
"The content really helps bridge the gap between understanding grammar rules and actually using them confidently."
"Ready to join a conversation group now thanks to the solid foundation and practice opportunities."
Grammar explanations are clear and effective.
"The explanations of the Present Tense were incredibly clear and easy to follow. It finally clicked for me!"
"I really appreciate how the instructor broke down the verb conjugations and the Copula introduction."
"The way the grammar concepts were explained, especially the present tense irregularities, made them much less intimidating."
"Understanding the structure of sentences with the Present Tense is much easier now after these lessons."
Pace may be brisk for some learners.
"Found the pace quite fast, had to replay lectures several times to keep up."
"This course definitely requires dedication and regular practice; it moves along quickly."
"If you're not consistent, it's easy to fall behind given the amount of material covered quickly."
"The intermediate level assumes a certain comfort level with basics; if you're returning, make sure you're ready."

Activities

Be better prepared before your course. Deepen your understanding during and after it. Supplement your coursework and achieve mastery of the topics covered in Intermediate Irish - Gaeilge: An Meánchúrsa with these activities:
Review Basic Irish Grammar
Reviewing basic Irish grammar will solidify your understanding of sentence structure and verb conjugations, which are essential for mastering the present tense.
Browse courses on Grammar
Show steps
  • Review basic verb conjugations.
  • Study sentence structures.
  • Practice with simple exercises.
Read 'Teach Yourself Irish'
Reading 'Teach Yourself Irish' will provide a broader context for the grammar and vocabulary covered in the course, reinforcing your understanding.
Show steps
  • Read the chapters on present tense and basic sentence structure.
  • Complete the exercises in the book.
Conjugation Drills
Practicing verb conjugations will help you internalize the patterns and become more fluent in using the present tense.
Show steps
  • Create flashcards for regular and irregular verbs.
  • Practice conjugating verbs aloud.
  • Use online conjugation tools for self-testing.
Four other activities
Expand to see all activities and additional details
Show all seven activities
Write a Daily Journal Entry in Irish
Writing daily journal entries in Irish will help you practice using the present tense in a practical and meaningful way.
Show steps
  • Write about your daily activities using the present tense.
  • Focus on using new vocabulary learned in the course.
  • Review and correct your entries using a dictionary or online resources.
Practice Conversations with a Language Partner
Practicing conversations with a language partner will improve your fluency and confidence in using the present tense.
Show steps
  • Find a language partner online or in person.
  • Prepare conversation topics in advance.
  • Focus on using the present tense and new vocabulary.
Explore 'Irish Grammar You Really Need to Know'
Reading 'Irish Grammar You Really Need to Know' will provide a more advanced understanding of Irish grammar concepts.
View Alter Ego: A Novel on Amazon
Show steps
  • Read the sections on the copula and irregular verbs.
  • Complete the exercises and quizzes in the book.
Translate English Sentences into Irish
Translating English sentences into Irish will help you apply your knowledge of grammar and vocabulary in a practical way.
Show steps
  • Find English sentences online or in a book.
  • Translate the sentences into Irish using the present tense.
  • Check your translations using a dictionary or online resources.

Career center

Learners who complete Intermediate Irish - Gaeilge: An Meánchúrsa will develop knowledge and skills that may be useful to these careers:
Tour Guide
Tour Guides lead groups of visitors through various locations, providing information and insights about the sites. Proficiency in the local language enhances the tour experience, especially when guiding international visitors. This course focuses on practical communication skills such as asking and answering questions in the present tense and engaging in conversations. Learning new vocabulary, understanding phrases and proverbs, and expressing emotions contribute to creating memorable and informative tours as a Tour Guide. This course is particularly helpful for individuals who wish to lead tours in regions where Irish is spoken. In addition, understanding cultural nuances, such as the idioms used when saying goodbye, helps enhance the experience.
Language Teacher
Those who pursue careers as Language Teachers instruct students in the intricacies of a particular language. This course may be useful for such a role. It may provide a deeper understanding of the language's structure, grammar, and usage. This includes the present tense, regular and irregular verbs, and an introduction to the Copula. The course's emphasis on practical communication skills, like asking and answering questions, engaging in conversations, and expanding vocabulary, can help Language Teachers create engaging and interactive lessons for their students. The course may also help teachers in their own language skills, which in turn may help them to be effective instructors.
Customer Service Representative
Customer Service Representatives assist customers with inquiries, orders, and complaints. In roles requiring proficiency in the Irish language, this course may be useful. It focuses on practical communication skills such as asking and answering questions in the present tense and engaging in conversations. Learning new vocabulary, understanding phrases and proverbs, and expressing emotions contribute to handling customer interactions effectively as a Customer Service Representative. This course is particularly helpful for individuals who wish to provide customer service in regions where Irish is spoken. In addition, understanding cultural nuances, such as the idioms used when saying goodbye, helps enhance the experience.
Interpreter
An Interpreter converts spoken words from one language to another, often in real-time. Skills acquired in this course may be useful for this career. The course's focus on pronunciation, vocabulary expansion, and understanding grammatical structures such as the present tense and the Copula will provide a foundation needed for effective interpretation. The course also emphasizes practical communication, with opportunities to ask and answer questions and engage in conversations. This is especially useful for anyone aspiring to be an Interpreter. The course modules on understanding phrases and proverbs, and understanding the different ways of saying goodbye and expressing emotions is quite useful for conveying cultural nuances.
Translator
A career as a Translator involves converting written materials from one language into another. This course may be useful for such a role. It focuses on enhancing language skills, including grammar, vocabulary, and sentence structure, all of which are vital for accurate and effective translation. Learning about the present tense, mastering regular and irregular verbs, and understanding the nuances of the Copula provide a solid base for translation work. The course's emphasis on practical communication skills, such as asking and answering questions, and conversational practice helps one convey meaning effectively in another language. This all prepares one to be a successful Translator.
International Aid Worker
International Aid Workers work in developing countries, providing assistance and support to local communities. For those working in regions where Irish is spoken, this course is particularly valuable. The course focuses on enhancing language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, all of which are crucial for effective communication. Learning about the present tense, mastering regular and irregular verbs, and understanding the nuances of the Copula may provide a foundation for building rapport with locals. The course emphasizes practical communication skills, which is quite useful for anyone aspiring to be an International Aid Worker.
Content Creator
Content Creators produce written, audio, or visual material for various platforms. For those focusing on Irish language content, this course is particularly valuable. This course is also valuable for Content Creators who write about Irish culture. The course covers the present tense, regular and irregular verbs, and an introduction to the Copula, providing a strong foundation for creating accurate and engaging content. Expanding vocabulary, understanding phrases and proverbs, and practicing conversational skills help in crafting unique and compelling narratives. Skills from this course may also help Content Creators in their research, translation, and communicating with others who may be native speakers.
Social Media Manager
Social Media Managers oversee a company's or individual's online presence across various platforms. For those managing social media accounts in the Irish language or targeting Irish-speaking audiences, this course is particularly valuable. The course focuses on enhancing language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, all of which are crucial for creating engaging content. Learning about the present tense, mastering regular and irregular verbs, and understanding the nuances of the Copula provides a foundation for crafting effective social media posts. The course emphasizes practical communication skills, which is quite useful for anyone aspiring to be a Social Media Manager.
Copywriter
Copywriters are responsible for producing engaging and persuasive content for advertising or marketing purposes. For those specializing in the Irish language or targeting Irish-speaking audiences, this course may be useful. It focuses on enhancing language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, all of which are crucial for writing compelling copy. Learning about the present tense, mastering regular and irregular verbs, and understanding the nuances of the Copula provides a base for effective copywriting. The course emphasizes practical communication skills, which is quite useful for anyone aspiring to be a Copywriter.
Market Research Analyst
Market Research Analysts analyze market conditions to examine potential sales of a product or service. For those specializing in markets in the Irish language or targeting Irish-speaking audiences, this course may be useful. It focuses on enhancing language skills, including vocabulary, grammar, and sentence structure, all of which are crucial for understanding customer insights. Learning about the present tense, mastering regular and irregular verbs, and understanding the nuances of the Copula may provide a foundation for effective research. The course emphasizes practical communication skills, which is quite useful for anyone aspiring to be a Market Research Analyst.
Genealogist
Genealogists research and trace family histories. If you're focusing on Irish ancestry, this course is particularly valuable. This course may improve your ability to understand historical records and documents written in Irish. The course covers the present tense, verb conjugations, and sentence structure, which will help interpret historical texts and comprehend family stories passed down through generations. The course's emphasis on phrases and proverbs may also enhance understanding of cultural nuances within Irish families. This may be useful for anyone who works as a Genealogist.
Linguist
Linguists study language, its structure, history, and how humans use it. While many linguists hold doctoral degrees, this course may be useful as some entry-level positions require only a master's. This course covers the present tense, verb conjugations, and sentence structure. The course also expands vocabulary and pronunciation, which are useful for any Linguist. Linguists who plan to study or work with the Irish language will find this course to be very helpful. This course also provides an introduction to the Copula, as well as various phrases and proverbs.
Curator
Curators manage collections of artifacts or works of art, typically in a museum or gallery setting. For Curators specializing in Irish culture or history, this course is invaluable. It may enhance one's understanding of the language and cultural context surrounding the artifacts. This course covers the present tense, verb conjugations, and sentence structure, all of which are useful for Curators who want to understand historical texts and records. The course's emphasis on phrases and proverbs may also enhance cultural understanding. This may be useful for anyone who works as a Curator.
Librarian
Librarians help people find information and conduct research, and they manage library collections. This course may be useful for librarians working with Irish language materials. The modules on the present tense, verb conjugations, sentence structure, and pronunciation may help Librarians understand historical texts or assist library patrons. This course may be useful for Librarians interested in improving their understanding of the Irish language. Also Librarians who want to improve pronunciation of Irish words may benefit.
Archivist
Archivists are responsible for the appraisal, acquisition, preservation, and accessibility of historical records and archives. For archivists working with Irish language documents or materials related to Irish culture, this course is invaluable. It may improve comprehension of the language. The course covers the present tense, verb conjugations, and sentence structure, which are foundational for understanding historical texts. Also, the course's emphasis on phrases and proverbs may enhance cultural understanding. This may be useful for anyone who works as an Archivist.

Reading list

We've selected two books that we think will supplement your learning. Use these to develop background knowledge, enrich your coursework, and gain a deeper understanding of the topics covered in Intermediate Irish - Gaeilge: An Meánchúrsa.
Provides a more in-depth look at Irish grammar, including the copula and irregular verbs. It's a great resource for those who want to delve deeper into the complexities of the language. This book is more valuable as additional reading to expand on the course material. It is commonly used by intermediate learners.
Provides a comprehensive overview of Irish grammar and vocabulary. It's particularly useful for reinforcing the basics and expanding your vocabulary base. While not strictly required, it serves as a valuable reference tool for understanding the nuances of the language. It is commonly used as a supplementary textbook for self-learners.

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