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The Gaelic Conversation Competition

In 1982, the present chief of our Society, Joyce Seymour-Chalk, set up a competition for schools in the Highland and Island areas of Scotland. This has been extended more recently to include schools in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

The aims of the competition are twofold. Firstly,-to encourage the Gaelic-speaking children, native to the Highlands and Islands, to be proud to speak their language everyday and to continue to do so as they grow up. Secondly, to encourage learners. The competition is financed by the Gaelic Society Education Fund. which was started up in 1988. The format of the competition is as follows. Contestants hold a taped conversation with their teacher lasting three to five minutes, depending on the age group. The theme of the conversation is taken from a list sent out by the organiser. There is also a 'Community Project'. This was added about fifteen years ago and involves the pupils having a conversation with much older members of the areas near their school or home. The idea was intended to encourage the links between the generations and as an alternative choice for the senior, fluent entrants.

The senior part of the competition takes place late January to April juniors and infants in March to May. The adjudications take place separately, but no announcement of the winners is made until the end of May. Prizes and trophies are sent out in time for the various schools' prizegiving days.

The entry groups range from infants to seniors and includes sections for both fluent speakers and learners. Winners receive a cash prize and a certificate. The trophies go to the schools gaining the highest marks and for overall excellence.

Registered charity no. 285676
This page last updated 31/01/07