Changes

'''Gàidhlig''', or '''Scottish Gaelic''', is a language spoken primarily in [[Scotland]] but also in Cape Breton Island, [[Canada]]. The Distribution of Gàidhlig speakers in Scotland roughly matches the geographic Highlands region, indeed the Gàidhlig word ''Gàidhealtacht'' (Gaeldom in english) has become synonymous with the word Highlands when describing the region.  

'''Gàidhlig''', or '''Scottish Gaelic''', is a language spoken primarily in [[Scotland]] but also in Cape Breton Island, [[Canada]]. The Distribution of Gàidhlig speakers in Scotland roughly matches the geographic Highlands region, indeed the Gàidhlig word ''Gàidhealtacht'' (Gaeldom in English) has become synonymous with the word Highlands when describing the region.  

==Language Family==

==Language Family==

*monitoring, and reporting to the Scottish Ministers on, the implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages dated 5 November 1992 in relation to the Gaelic language.<ref>http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2005/asp_20050007_en_1#1</ref>

*monitoring, and reporting to the Scottish Ministers on, the implementation of the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages dated 5 November 1992 in relation to the Gaelic language.<ref>http://www.opsi.gov.uk/legislation/scotland/acts2005/asp_20050007_en_1#1</ref>

In addition to the creation of ''Bòrd na Gàidhlig'', the Government of Scotland is introducing bilingual road signs through the Highlands and Islands regions of Scotland and encouraging Gàidhlig language lessons in schools, as well as founding Gàidhlig medium schools where Gàidhlig is the primary language of learning. Gàidhlig is now also a formal language of communication within the [[EU]], although this doesn't grant full recognition to Gàidhlig in the EU is is seen as a step on the way to potential official status for Gàidhlig.  

In addition to the creation of ''Bòrd na Gàidhlig'', the Government of Scotland is introducing bilingual road signs through the Highlands and Islands regions of Scotland and encouraging Gàidhlig language lessons in schools, as well as founding Gàidhlig medium schools where Gàidhlig is the primary language of learning. Gàidhlig is now also a formal language of communication within the [[EU]], although this doesn't grant full recognition to Gàidhlig in the EU is seen as a step on the way to potential official status for Gàidhlig.  

In September 2008 the [[BBC]] launched a Gàidhlig television channel called BBC ALBA.

In September 2008 the [[BBC]] launched a Gàidhlig television channel called BBC ALBA.

==The Language==

==The Language==

Originally Gàidhlig used the Ogham alphabet. Ogham script was designed to be carved onto things, traditionally the corners of stones, but in the absence of a corner a line could be cut into the medium to fulfil the role of the corner edge. Gàidhlig later adopted latin symbols, this alphabet called aibidil which is in use today has 18 characters (13 consonants and 5 vowels).

Originally Gàidhlig used the Ogham alphabet. Ogham script was designed to be carved onto things, traditionally the corners of stones, but in the absence of a corner a line could be cut into the medium to fulfil the role of the corner edge. Gàidhlig later adopted Latin symbols, this alphabet called aibidil which is in use today has 18 characters (13 consonants and 5 vowels).

Historically Gàidhlig had 3 dialects Lowland Gaelic, Galwegian Gaelic and Highland Gaelic with only the latter surviving to the present day.   

Historically Gàidhlig had 3 dialects Lowland Gaelic, Galwegian Gaelic and Highland Gaelic with only the latter surviving to the present day.