Course Co-ordinator: Dr A O'Leary

Pre-requisite(s): Available only to students in Programme Year 4 or by permission of the Head of School. Cannot be taken as part of a graduating curriculum with CE 3063: Introduction to Old Gaelic I A.

Co-requisite(s): A basic knowledge of Gaelic, Welsh, Latin or Historical Linguistics.

Note(s): This course will be available in session 2012/13 and in alternate sessions thereafter.

The course provides a basic introduction to Old Irish - the earliest form of a Celtic language which we can reconstruct with some certainty. Old Irish holds the key to the earliest vernacular literature north of the Alps. It is also of prime importance to comparative Celtic Philology, as it is the earliest attested form of both Irish and Scottish Gaelic. The course consists of an exposition of Old Irish grammar accompanied by appropriate translation exercises and grammatical interpretation of selected passages in Old Irish. The course will also take some account of the similarities and differences between Old Irish and the other Insular Celtic languages.

Three hours of classes per week.

1st Attempt: In-course assessment: Languages Exercises (40%), and 1 two-hour written examination (60%).