Isle's Gaelic heritage celebrated

A festival celebrating the Gaelic language and culture of the Isle of Man was getting under way on Friday.

The Manx Language Week has been rebranded Cooish - after the Manx word which means to have a chat, get-together or conversation.

It offers islanders the chance to speak, hear and sing Manx, which has been succesfully revived in recent years on the island.

The aim is to encourage Manx people to learn more of their native language.

It is now part of the secondary school curriculum and interest among adults in learning the language is also rising.

Differences in the modern globalised word are quite important. It gives people a sense of identity and I think language is great for that Adrian Cain, Manx Heritage Foundation

The revival of the language is also shown by the success of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh, the Manx Gaelic Primary School, in St John's.

Adrian Cain, Manx Language Development Officer for the Manx Heritage Foundation, said: "Cultural differences are important, they're not about being exclusive, they're there for everyone whoever lives on the Isle of Man.

"It's something we'd hope they take up and use in whatever shape or form they want to.

"We're not asking people to become fluent speakers, although that would be nice.

"It's just about using a bit of Manx to identify that they live in the Isle of Man and they like the Isle of Man and it is something different.

"Differences in the modern globalised word are quite important. It gives people a sense of identity and I think language is great for that."

The festival runs until 12 November.