S2 #4 Finding Irish as an Adult Learner - A Conversation with Briana Ní Loingsigh

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Briana Ní Loingsigh, an Irish-Polish American writer, creator, and Irish language learner.Together, they explore how learning Irish (Gaeilge) can go far beyond grammar and vocabulary, opening powerful pathways into identity, heritage, and belonging.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional power of Irish — from family connections and memory to the deep cultural meanings embedded within words.This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply something to learn — it is something to experience, feel, and live.This Episode Celebrates:* The role of storytelling in learning Irish* The power of etymology to unlock meaning* The emotional connection between language, identity, and heritage* The importance of accessibility and community in language revivalIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from Irish — or unsure where to begin — this episode will resonate deeplyThanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.Podcast NotesRelearning Irish as an AdultBriana shares her journey from struggling with languages in school to learning Irish later in life. Her experience highlights how mindset, rather than ability, is often the biggest barrier to language learning.Identity, Heritage and ConnectionGrowing up with a strong Irish-American identity, Briana always felt a connection to Ireland — but it was through the Irish language that this connection deepened. Gaeilge became a meaningful way to explore her heritage and understand her place within it.Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.Overcoming Fear and Embracing ImperfectionA central theme in this episode is the importance of moving through fear. Briana reflects on the hesitation she felt when starting out — and how letting go of perfection allowed her to build confidence over time.Learning Irish became not just an educational journey, but a personal one.How to Learn Irish EffectivelyBriana shares practical insights for learners, including:* The value of structured classes for guidance and accountability* Using tools like Duolingo as a starting point, not a solution* Reading early to build familiarity with the language* Speaking from the beginning, even when it feels uncomfortableShe emphasises that consistency, curiosity, and community are key to progress.Building Community Through LanguageThrough Irish, Briana has built friendships, connections, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond geography.Her experience shows that Irish is not limited to Ireland — it is a living language shaped by the people who engage with it.Language as Personal TransformationBeyond fluency, Briana reflects on how learning Irish helped her move beyond self-doubt and reshape what she believed she was capable of.This episode shows that learning a language can change not just how you communicate — but how you see yourself.Free Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey:Access free Irish learning resources, stay updated on upcoming episodes, and receive exclusive content.Sign up here:Free Resources: The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adultSlán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na TeanganMore on Briana Ní LoingsighBriana Ní LoingsighBriana Ní Loingsigh is an Irish-Polish American writer, creator, and Irish language learner. Through her work, she explores themes of identity, heritage, personal growth, and language learning.She is the author of the Substack Foghlaimeoir, where she writes in both Irish and English, sharing her journey as an adult learner and offering reflections that resonate with others reconnecting with Gaeilge.Learn more:SubstackInstagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Dian Killian, certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), mediator, poet, and author.Together, they explore how language shapes not only how we communicate — but how we connect, understand, and relate to one another on a deeply human level.Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional power of language — how the words we choose can either create distance or build connection, empathy, and understanding.Dian also draws on her work through her Substack, The Gaelic Effect, where she explores how the Irish language offers a powerful lens for navigating modern life — helping us stay grounded, connected, and open to beauty and meaning, even in uncertain and challenging times.This episode reminds us that language is not simply about words — it is about relationships, meaning, and how we experience the world.This Episode Celebrates:* The power of language in shaping human connection* The role of empathy in communication* How Nonviolent Communication (NVC) transforms relationships* The deeper emotional layers behind the words we useIf you’re interested in language, communication, or human connection, this episode offers powerful insights that go far beyond Gaeilge alone.Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.Podcast NotesLanguage as ConnectionDian Killian introduces the principles of Nonviolent Communication (NVC), highlighting how language can either create disconnection or foster genuine understanding.By becoming more aware of how we speak and listen, we can build stronger, more meaningful relationships.The Power of EmpathyA key theme in this conversation is empathy — not as a concept, but as a practice. Dian explains how truly hearing another person, without judgment or interruption, can transform communication and deepen connection.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Beyond WordsThe episode explores how communication is not just about vocabulary or grammar, but about the needs, emotions, and intentions behind our words. This perspective invites us to rethink how we use language in everyday life.Communication as a SkillDian emphasises that effective communication is something we can learn and develop. Through awareness and practice, we can shift from reactive patterns to more conscious, compassionate ways of speaking and listening.Free Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey:Access free Irish learning resources, stay updated on upcoming episodes, and receive exclusive content.Sign up here:Free ResourcesThe Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adultSlán tamall, Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na TeanganMore on Dian KillianDian KillianDian Killian is a certified trainer in Nonviolent Communication (NVC), mediator, poet, and author. She specialises in helping individuals and organisations communicate with greater clarity, empathy, and connection.She is also the author of the successful Substack “The Gaelic Effect”, which explores:* Language and how it shapes how we see and relate to the world* Beauty and draíocht (magic, wonder, and awe)* Solace, inspiration, and companionship in uncertain and liminal times* Hope for what’s possible — and what we are truly capable of as human beings at our bestThrough her writing and teaching, Dian invites readers and learners into a deeper, more reflective relationship with language, meaning, and connection.Learn more: WebsiteSubstackFacebook This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Mollie Guidera, educator, writer, and language activist.Together, they explore how learning Irish (Gaeilge) can go far beyond grammar and vocabulary, opening powerful pathways into identity, heritage, and belonging.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Mollie shares her journey from struggling with Irish at school to building a global community of over 10,000 learners through Irish with Mollie. Through storytelling, etymology, and innovative teaching methods, she is helping people reconnect with the language in a way that is joyful, accessible, and meaningful.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional power of Irish — from family connections and memory to the deep cultural meanings embedded within words.This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply something to learn — it is something to experience, feel, and live.This episode celebrates:* The role of storytelling in learning Irish* The power of etymology to unlock meaning* The emotional connection between language, identity, and heritage* The importance of accessibility and community in language revivalIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from Irish — or unsure where to begin — this episode will inspire you to start again.Special Listener OfferAs mentioned in the episode, Mollie is offering listeners a free Irish mini-course to help you get started.Access the free course here:Free Irish mini-course Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Podcast NotesRelearning Irish as an AdultMollie Guidera shares her personal journey with the Irish language — from finding it difficult in school to rediscovering it later in life.Her experience reflects that of many learners in Ireland and abroad: Irish is often not difficult in itself, but shaped by our relationship with it. By approaching it differently — with curiosity and creativity — it becomes far more accessible and enjoyable.Language, Identity and Family ConnectionOne of the most powerful moments in the episode is Mollie’s story about speaking Irish with her grandmother.Switching to Irish created a deeper connection between them, showing how language can carry emotion, memory, and belonging in ways that go far beyond communication.For many learners, Irish becomes a way of reconnecting not only with the past — but with family, identity, and self.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Irish Is More Logical Than You ThinkMollie challenges the common belief that Irish is overly complicated.She explains how Irish is actually highly structured and patterned — often more consistent than English — and how understanding these patterns can transform the learning experience.By exploring etymology and structure, learners begin to see Irish not as confusing, but as beautifully logical and expressive.Building a Global Irish CommunityThrough Irish with Mollie, she has created a global learning community with students in over 85 countries.Her approach combines:* Self-paced learning* Live lessons* Community interaction* Flexible, accessible resourcesThis model allows learners to engage with Irish in a way that fits their lives, while also emphasising the importance of shared learning and connection.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.Making Irish Accessible for EveryoneAccessibility and inclusivity are central to Mollie’s work.Drawing on her experience in education, she creates resources that support different learning styles — visual, auditory, and interactive — ensuring that Irish is open to everyone, regardless of background or ability.Her approach reflects a broader shift: Irish is no longer just a school subject, but a living language for everyone.The Gaeilge GuideSpark Your Connection to the Irish Language and LegacyMollie’s book, The Gaeilge Guide, offers a fresh and inspiring way to engage with Irish.Rather than focusing only on grammar, it invites learners to:* Discover patterns in the language* Explore the meaning behind words* Connect with Irish culture and heritage* Experience Irish as something living and relevantThe book has been shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards 2025 and continues to inspire learners worldwide.Buy the book here:Buy nowFree Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey:Access free Irish learning resources, stay updated on upcoming episodes, and receive exclusive content.Sign up here:Free ResourcesThe Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources. A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adultSlán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na TeanganMore on Mollie GuideraMollie GuideraMollie Guidera is an educator, writer, and language activist from Dublin, Ireland, dedicated to making Irish accessible and meaningful for learners worldwide.With over 12 years of teaching experience, she combines storytelling, etymology, and innovative teaching methods to help people reconnect with Gaeilge more deeply and engagingly.She studied at Trinity College Dublin and earned her teaching qualification from the University of Cambridge.Mollie is the founder of Irish with Mollie, an online platform that has supported over 10,000 learners across more than 85 countries through courses, community learning, and digital resources.She is also the author of The Gaeilge Guide: Spark Your Connection to the Irish Language and Legacy (2025), shortlisted for the Irish Book Awards.Learn more about Mollie here:Website: Irish with MollieInstagram: Instagram TikTok: TikTok This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

Listen Up Irish Reading ChallengeA Conversation with Listen Up Irish Founders Patricia Nic Eoin & Joe Ó FáthartaSeason 2 – Episode #1In the first episode of Season 2 of The Language Question, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) speaks with Patricia Nic Eoin and Joe Ó Fátharta, founders of the Listen Up Irish Reading Challenge.Together they explore how reading in Irish (Gaeilge) can open powerful new pathways into the language while deepening our connection to place, identity and cultural heritage.Patricia and Joe share the story behind Listen Up Irish, an initiative that brings together Irish language learners and fluent speakers through literature. Their work encourages adults learning Irish to rediscover the language through storytelling, books and shared reading experiences.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional resonance of Irish words tied to landscapes, family history and local traditions, reminding us that Irish is not simply a school subject but a living language connected to culture and belonging.This episode explores:The power of storytelling in the Irish languageHow reading can accelerate language learningThe role of community in sustaining and revitalising GaeilgeIf you are learning Irish as an adult or reconnecting with the language later in life, this conversation offers both inspiration and practical insight.Podcast NotesRediscovering Irish Through ReadingPatricia Nic Eoin and Joe Ó Fátharta discuss the origins of the Listen Up Irish Reading Challenge, created to give learners a welcoming space to experience Irish language literature in an accessible way.Their approach encourages readers to explore modern Irish writing, moving beyond classroom learning into real, living language.Language, Landscape and BelongingPatricia describes the joy she feels when rediscovering Irish words associated with the fields and landscapes where she grew up.Collecting old place-names, expressions and family vocabulary creates a powerful sense of continuity with previous generations. For many learners, Irish becomes a way of reconnecting with heritage and place.Passing on the Joy of GaeilgePatricia speaks about the excitement — even “giddiness” — that comes from uncovering forgotten Irish words.Through her teaching and her work with Listen Up Irish, she hopes to pass that same sense of discovery to learners who may not have grown up speaking the language but feel drawn to it.Community and Shared LearningJoe Ó Fátharta reflects on the importance of community in Irish language learning.Initiatives like Listen Up Irish allow learners to read, discuss and enjoy Irish texts together, transforming the language into something lived and shared rather than simply studied.Opening the Door to Irish LiteratureThe episode highlights the richness of contemporary Irish-language writing. While many associate Irish literature with historical texts, there is today a vibrant and growing community of modern writers and readers working in Gaeilge.Reading Irish literature strengthens language skills while also deepening understanding of Ireland’s cultural and literary traditions.Master Irish — One Story at a TimeA Three-Week Immersive Irish ChallengeThe Listen Up Irish team are launching a three-week immersive challenge for adult learners, designed to help participants build confidence reading, listening and thinking in Irish through story.Maybe you’ve started learning Irish before —read a few chapters or downloaded an app —and then lost momentum.This challenge is designed to help you keep going and finish.The Story: Ó Am go hAmDuring the challenge, participants will read Ó Am go hAm (From Time to Time) — a historical story set during a Viking raid on an Irish monastery in the 8th century.Through the story, you’ll explore the world of monks, manuscripts and Viking invasions, while experiencing Irish used naturally in context.Originally written for younger readers, the book works beautifully for adult learners, offering accessible but authentic Irish.Participants receive:Guided audio recordingsKey vocabulary supportA clear structure to stay motivatedThis approach allows learners to experience real storytelling — living Irish on the page, not textbook Irish.Early Bird Pricing available until March 12Register here:Early Bird PriceFree Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode and want to continue your Irish language journey, you can access free Irish learning resources, receive updates on upcoming episodes, and get exclusive content.Sign up here: ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:SubstackMore on Patricia Nic Eoin & Joe Ó FáthartaPatricia Nic EoinPatricia Nic Eoin is an Irish language teacher, author and advocate for adult Irish learners.She is the founder of All About Irish, an online platform that teaches people to speak Irish (Gaeilge) through live online classes, with programmes for learners from complete beginners to advanced speakers.Patricia is also the co-founder of Listen Up Irish, a reading challenge created with Joe Ó Fátharta to bring learners and fluent speakers together through Irish literature.Learn more: WebsiteInstagram: InstagramJoe Ó FáthartaJoe Ó Fátharta is a journalist, writer, Irish language advocate and lecturer from Connemara.He teaches Irish at Dublin City University (DCU) and has long been involved in promoting Irish language culture through journalism, media and education. Deeply connected to the Gaeltacht tradition, he works to encourage new generations to engage with Gaeilge.Together with Patricia Nic Eoin, Joe co-founded Listen Up Irish, bringing readers and learners together through Irish literature.Slán tamall, Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language QuestionEpisode Timestamps0:00 – Welcome to Season 2 of The Language Question1:10 – Introducing Patricia Nic Eoin & Joe Ó Fátharta2:45 – The story behind the Listen Up Irish Reading Challenge6:30 – Why reading is powerful for learning Irish10:15 – Rediscovering Irish words connected to place and memory14:05 – Gathering the names of fields and local words18:20 – The emotional connection to landscape and belonging22:40 – The joy (and “giddiness”) of discovering Irish27:10 – Helping learners reconnect with Gaeilge through reading32:00 – Irish identity and cultural heritage36:45 – Advice for adults learning Irish today41:20 – The future of Irish language communities45:10 – How the Listen Up Irish challenge works49:30 – Final reflections on language, belonging and culture52:10 – How to access free Irish learning resources53:00 – Closing remarks This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

To learn more and for all show notes go to - https://thelanguagequestion.com/episode-24-scribhneoiri-na-gaelainne-nua-a-conversation-with-eilis-neary/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

To learn more and for all show notes go to - https://thelanguagequestion.com/episode-23-the-power-of-individual-action-a-conversation-with-derek-hollingsworth/ This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

To learn more and for all show notes go to - https://thelanguagequestion.com/episode-22-an-calafoirneach-gaelach-a-conversation-with-seathrun-sardina This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

To learn more and for all show notes go to - https://thelanguagequestion.com/episode-21-banrion-an-ghrinn-a-conversation-with-aine-gallagher This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

To learn more and for all show notes go to - https://thelanguagequestion.com/episode-20-an-gaeilgeoir-ar-line-the-online-gaeilgeoir-a-conversation-with-mollie-guidera This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com

To learn more and for all show notes go to - https://thelanguagequestion.com/episode-19-ag-filleadh-aris-coming-back-again-a-conversation-with-eoin-killackey This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com