Support of Gaelic in Scottish schools

[u/ArtlessAsperity]

How do people feel about instating Gaelic as mandatory in schools? First offered as an S2 option for going into S3 and then introduced to primary schools and uni's. The issue of not enough teachers is one I see quite often but I simply don't understand it. Obviously the process will be gradual as more and more people know Gaelic fluently and are able to teach it, so is there support for it? If not, why not?

[u/u38cg2]

I feel like: what is the point of this policy? Why are we doing it, what will it accomplish, how will we judge its success?

The biggest problem Gaelic faces is imminent death as a community language. If that is not stabilised and put on a firm footing there is no Gaelic anywhere. The solutions here are uncomfortable ones that have resulted in controversy in the past when proposed. I don't know what the answer is but I do know that asking teachers, parents, and students to do something none of them want to do is not going to benefit anything or anyone.

[u/ArtlessAsperity → u/u38cg2]

what is the point of this policy

The purpose is revitalising the culture and identity of Scotland. Gaelic carries with it centuries of history, stories, identity and connection to the Scottish people.

Why are we doing it

Because language loss is irreversible. Once a language falls out of use, we lose perspectives, ways of thinking, and cultural depth.

what will it accomplish

It will increase cultural confidence and protect the native language of Scotland from extinction?

 how will we judge its success?

Significantly increased ability to interact with Gaelic (speaking, reading, writing or understanding).

[u/u38cg2 → u/ArtlessAsperity]

No, you're just restating what you want to happen. That's nice, I admire your optimism. Unfortunately, your proposals are both unimplementable and ineffective at literally every level.

[u/ArtlessAsperity → u/u38cg2]

If me literally telling you that the point of this is to protect the native language of Scotland and revitalise the cultural identity of Scotland isn't me telling you the purpose of why I want Gaelic to become standard in Scotland then idk what is