Irish Language Day - La na Gaeilge - Returns to Portland, Oregon

Salem, OR, May 14, 2010 --(PR.com)-- Irish Language Day- La na Gaeilge

Irish Language Day – La na Gaeilge- is an Irish language immersion day open to anyone who wishes to learn the Irish language. Hour-long classes throughout the day cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginner to fluent speaker. The language classes are complemented by a choice of five afternoon workshops in Sean Nos (old way) dancing, Ceili (community) dancing, singing in Irish, Irish pronunciation and Scots Gaelic. Anyone with an interest in the Irish culture and language will find a community of like-minded participants at the event. For more information visit www.marylhurst.edu/irish.

The goal of Irish Language Day is to provide high quality language classes at an affordable price and to encourage participants to have fun speaking Irish. All the teachers have experience teaching Irish as a second language to adult learners.

This year has two additional activities: a demonstration inter-squad game of hurling, one of Ireland’s national sports, presented by Columbia Red Branch Hurling Club during lunch hour and at the end of the day a free performance of ‘Translations,’ a drama by Irish playwright Brian Friel.

In 2007 a local group of Irish speakers sought an opportunity to come together to speak and share their love for this ancient Celtic language. Out of this wish Irish Language Day -La na Gaeilge was born. Seeking a venue and sponsor, the group approached Marylhurst University’s Dept. of Cultural Studies who generously agreed to host the event and provide material support. It was a natural choice as the group met weekly for Irish conversation at Marylhurst’s campus coffee shop and two of its members teach Irish in the University’s Department of Cultural Studies. Four years on Irish Language Day is a regular annual event drawing people from across the Pacific Northwest and beyond.

Aislinn Adams of Aislinn Adams Design, an original member of the Marylhurst Irish conversation group, has been a volunteer organizer for the event from it’s beginning. Aislinn Adams is an Irish born graphic designer specializing in illustration. Inspired by her Irish cultural heritage and love for the Irish language she creates greeting cards using her favorite old Irish sayings- Sean fhocail – as well as cards celebrating famous Irish women or “feisty Irish women” as she likes to call them. Her business Aislinn Adams Design also creates greeting cards and prints inspired by her life long interest in the outdoors, gardening with native plants, and environmental education. For ten years she produced a weekly botanical illustration for the “Digging In” gardening column of the Washington Post.

Adams is a great supporter of Irish Language Day- La na Gaeilge, not only because of her love of the Irish language and the great opportunity the day offers to speak Irish, but also because of the caliber of teachers the day attracts. “I am always amazed and delighted by the quality of teaching on the day, both in the language classes and the workshops. Every year I think how lucky we are to have such skilled and dedicated teachers, several of whom are nationally recognized for their work.” She also adds how happy participants have been with the facilities at Marylhurst University. The beautiful, verdant campus with its relaxed atmosphere contributes significantly to the success of the day.

Classes take place in Marion Hall
Marylhurst University Campus
17600 Pacific Highway (Hwy 43)
Marylhurst OR 97036-7036
Tel: 503 636-8141
Toll free: 800 634-9982

Admission: Irish Language Day- La na Gaeilge is open to the public.

Cost: $50.00 includes all activities and a box lunch.

Registration: To register visit www.marylhurst.edu/irish

For more information about Irish Language Day -La na Gaeilge.

Contact: Bob Burke
Irish Language Teacher
Faculty of Cultural Studies
Marylhurst University
Tel: 360 954-5529
Email: rburke@mymail.marylhurst.edu

###