Alastair Kneale's blog

Using data from the Unesco Languages in Danger project a list drawn up by  Christopher Moseley, University College London School of Slavonic and East European Studies points to 33 languages in Europe in danger.

However, Manx (Mannin/Isle of Man) and Cornish (Kernow/Cornwall) are pointed out as examples of what can be done to support languages seen to be at risk. In both Celtic nations concerted efforts are being undertaken to promote their languages.

Caarjyn ny Gaelgey  is a Manx Gaelic language organisation established in 1991. The aim of the organisation is to provide opportunities for people to use and learn the language. On Saturday November 15 they will hold a book sale. The sale will include books written in Manx as well as on Manx topics and will run from 11am until 4pm in the Old Schoolhouse at St John’s (Manx: Balley Keeill Eoin).

November 11th 1918 marked the end of the First World War, one of the deadliest conflicts in history. It is estimated that about 10 million members of the armed forces and 7 million civilians were killed over the four year duration of the War. Many millions were wounded. Around the Celtic lands and other parts of the world memorial services are taking place to commemorate this disastrous event. This year of 2014 also marks one hundred years since the start of the conflict. We quite correctly remember the carnage and death suffered by people in the First World War.

Naight - Radio Vannin:

Shirveishagh Albinagh cur shilley er yn Ellan son co-haggloo

Y Shirveishagh son bree, ventyr as turrysid ayns reiltys Nalbin, hug eh shilley er yn Ellan yn çhiaghtin shoh chaie.

Fergus Ewing, Oltey jeh'n Pharlamaid Albinagh, v'eh ayns yn Ellan d'eddyn magh mychione kianglaghyn oddys ve jeant ayns cooishyn gollrish bree, turrysid as dellal eddyrashoonagh.

The Scottish Minister for Energy, Enterprise and Tourism visited the Isle of Man last week. Fergus Ewing Scotland's Economic Development Minister met Manx Chief Minister Alan Bell and Minister for Economic Development Laurence Skelly. They discussed strengthening links between Scotland and the Isle of Man in such areas as energy, tourism and international trade.

The Manx hills were filled with the sound of drumming at sunset yesterday. A Celtic drumming circle was created, like the ones our ancestors used at significant gatherings, including the celebrations of equinoxes in the times of our pre-Christian past and carrying on into the Christian period. In the build up to the event Drumming workshops have been held for young people as an Island of Culture event. The Isle of Man Arts Council has sponsored youth worker, Cathi Wareing, to lead a number of Celtic drumming workshops across the island this month.

We know that great strides are being made in developing Celtic language education for those of school age. Well let's not forget adult learners and here's an item from Scottish newspaper the Aberdeen Press and Journal: 'A Skye teacher who only started learning Gaelic in earnest after he retired has scooped one the language’s biggest prizes.

Symoil naight -Radio Vannin (Interesting  news - Manx Radio)

Cur twoaie da sterrymyn greiney!

Ga dy vel earish sterrymagh er ve jannoo er yn Ellan er y gherrid, ec y traa cheddin lhisagh shin cur twoaie da ny reddyn oddys ve jeant ec sterrymyn greiney.

Shen coardail rish oayllee-rollageydys ynnydagh Howard Parkin.

Ayns recortys-gaue ashoonagh yn Reeriaght Unnaneyssit, ta sterrymyn greiney coontit dy ve yn chiarroo vaggyrt smoo gaueagh.

Video from Culture Vannin promoting Shennaghys Jiu Celtic Youth Festival, which Culture Vannin helped make.

Shennaghys Jiu (tradition today) was founded in 1998 as a way of bringing young musicians together in a non-competitive environment, giving them the opportunity to “take the stage” without any added pressure. The festival has grown to become an important event in the Manx calendar, taking place mainly in Ramsey around Easter..

On Monday 6th October in St Bride's Church in London's Fleet Street another successful Mhelliah was held by the London Manx Society (Yn Cheshaght Vanninagh Lunnin). The service was led by St Bride's Lay Preacher David Smith. Readings were in both Manx and English, including The Lords Prayer (Padjyr y Chairn) recited in Manx by Maisie Sell and the annual Tynwald Day prayer read by Mary Weller. Traditional Manx hymns were sung with music provided by another Society member, Margaret Brady.