WELCOME TO 2024.
Are you someone who sees the start of a new year as a way of making sweeping changes in your life? Or have you given up on your New Year’s resolutions already?
Both categories are of course acceptable. But a new year is a great excuse for trying a different activity, following an old passion or making a new commitment. This could range from getting more steps in to going for swims in the icy cold sea waters that surround us.
If you’re looking for something to sink your teeth into this year, how about trying to improve your Irish in 2024? No matter what level you think your Irish is at currently, there are plenty of ways to brush up on your cúpla focail.
TG4, our national language’s television channel, is the best place to go for all aspiring Gaeilgeoirí. Everyone from complete beginners to more advanced learners can use TG4 as a resource on their journey. This includes students, adults, families, or anyone interested in embracing the language.
Let TG4 be your companion on your linguistic adventure in 2024. With a fantastic range of content, from sports to soaps, there’s something for everyone on TG4.
Shows coming to the channel in 2024 include Inis na nIontas (10/01/23), a look at the islands off the coast of Ireland and the inhabitants of them. January 25 will see the GAA sports series Laochra Gael return, bringing eight new iconic player’s personal stories to screen.
Alongside great programming, some amazing resources exist that can help you learn our national language.
TG4 Foghlaim is for every level of ability, whether you’re starting from scratch or aiming to enhance your grammar and linguistic richness in Irish. The result of a collaboration between educators and TG4, TG4 Foghlaim serves as a comprehensive resource for language acquisition and development.
It puts the latest TG4 content and specially crafted educational materials on an easily accessible platform for you to use in your own time.
“Since its inception, TG4 has been an aid to learners through bringing Gaelic Games, music and stories to the Irish Speaking community but also to those who have a couple focail or who have no Irish at all,” says Conall O’Mairtin, editor of TG4 Foghlaim.
TG4 Foghlaim comprises three distinct sections; Bunscoil, An tSraith Shóisearach/GCSE and An tSraith Shinsearach/AS/A2. At each of these levels, the content is carefully curated with the help of educators to align with the diverse requirements of both primary and post-primary curricula, meaning it’s an incredible and accurate resource to have at your disposal. You can choose the content that aligns best with your specific needs.
“During the Covid-19 pandemic, TG4 in conjunction with COGG, an Roinn Oideachais and Léiriú Fibín produced Cúla4 ar Scoil. More than 200 bespoke classroom episodes have now been made available on TG4 Foghlaim,” Conall explains.
TG4 Foghlaim’s portal is designed to replicate viewers’ learning journey through the design of our platform, recognising the various stages and subjects of school. TG4 helps with learning Irish by teaming up with learning institutions like NUI Maynooth to create learning resources for more mature learners using clips from Ros na Rún and Nuacht TG4,” adds Conall.
Also included are learning materials based on Nuacht TG4 (news and current affairs content). Learning resources are available with each online video, with the added bonus of allowing the learner to work in line with Teastas Eorpach na Gaeilge. With downloadable lessons, learners can follow a dialect and language level that best suits their needs.
TG4’s Béalbhinn series is also available on the TG4 Foghlaim website and is aimed at younger learners. In this new series, Micheál Ó Ciaraidh meets with some well-known TV, radio and social media personalities. Today FM’s Louise Cantillon, TG4’s & BBC Gaeilge’s Caoimhe Ní Chathail and social media star the Kerry Cowboy, Séaghan Ó Súilleabháin, are amongst those who discuss their Irish language journey.
There is no time like the present to be learning Irish. There are more resources available now than ever before which are freely available,” says Conall.
You can keep up to date with the most recent developments from TG4 Foghlaim by following it on social media.
TG4’s recently-launched channel, Cúla4, is the first-ever Irish language-dedicated children’s channel. It offers a diverse range of entertainment, drama and news shows in Irish specifically designed for those aged 12 and under across the country.
It’s been incredible to see so many young people around the country tuning in to Cúla4. We’re really seeing how much of a demand there is for Cúla4 and how important the station is to young people, to their families and to teachers,” says Niamh Ní Chróinín, Cúla4 presenter.
In a changing media landscape, Cúla4 meets its audience where they consume media, catering to the preferences of a tech-savvy generation. The Cúla4 website, player, and YouTube channel are hubs for delivering diverse and accessible content.
As an entertainment channel for children, the platform presents the Irish language as a vibrant, living entity and also nurtures a cultural connection with the audience, enhancing its relevance today.
Cúla4 has unveiled an exciting array of new programmes for 2024 that blend entertainment with education for young viewers. Pompon – An Béirín Beag and Blocdathanna are designed for preschool aged children, helping to increase creativity and cognitive skills and awareness of imagination and friendship.
Other shows include Bananimals, a series that combines entertainment and valuable lessons about empathy and social skills and Miraculous, a superhero series. Later in the year, watch out for Cácaí Áille, a baking series starring Aoibhín O’Dea that celebrates the joy of baking while sharing her kitchen skills and creativity.
“We have always said that young people will be at the heart of every decision we make at Cúla4. Cúla4 belongs to the young people of Ireland. So it’s been so important to me to listen to what they have to say, find out what they are enjoying and what they would like to see more of,” says Niamh.
Cúla4’s YouTube channel is home to an array of content in Irish, perfect for entertaining children. You can even try a hand at yoga in Irish, combining two resolutions in one.
For those looking for some inspiration, Niamh encourages you to “just go for it.”
Throw yourself into it and immerse yourself in the language as much as possible. Pick a Cúla4 or TG4 show that interests you and stick with it! If you watch a show once and don’t understand too much, watch it again. Follow the subtitles if you like and keep going. I promise you’ll pick up a few words every time you turn on Cúla4 or TG4 and it will get easier! You should also download our Cúla4 player app, free of charge and watch our content anytime, anywhere,” she adds.
Socials: tg4tv
Cúla4 airs for 14 hours daily, from 6am until 8pm on Saorview on channel 18, channel 602 on Virgin Media and channel 624 on Sky and Eir. Cúla4 is also available online via the Cúla4 player and the Cúla4 app.
Cúla4 is available on:
Saorview – channel 18
Virgin Media – channel 602
Sky – channel 624 ( N.I. Sky – channel 627) & Sky Glass
Eir
Cula4.com
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