Language levels

[u/AskPutrid9684]

I am curious to know, at what point can you consider yourself to have transitioned from A0 to A1, or A1 to A2 etc. Is this measured in hours or milestones? How do you know when to transition to the next level of course?

For context, I have just finished the 13 SpeakGaelic A1 podcasts (listening to each one several times per week before moving to the next), and on chapter 3 of the "Gaelic in 12 weeks" book (although it has taken me about 12 weeks to get this far.)

Can I consider starting the A2 course or do I need to spend another 12 weeks on A1 content?

[u/Snaidheadair]

It's hard to knew when to transition up really, like if you try A2 it should be 'hard' but not too hard.

You could always spend some time brushing up on A1 skills while doing A2 if it helps.

[u/indimillyloki]

According to the materials of Speak Gaelic, and my former course tutor who actually co-wrote the book, you should be able to introduce yourself, talk about your interests and hobbies, describe your family etc.

The best way to tell is to go through the materials of the podcast or whatever media you have and then see what youre missing, if you find yourself struggling to do so, then id recommend going over it again. But if youre only missing a few things then you can move to A2.

Good luck

Forgive me for any errors

[u/AskPutrid9684 → u/indimillyloki]

Thanks, that is useful. I will see if I can write some sentences/ a paragraph on each topic without looking at notes and then speak it aloud to myself/ the cat. This hopefully will show me any gaps for revision.

I know when the weather comes on the radio i can just about pick out the main points (cloudy, dry, 16-18C etc.) from the noise but not sure where i would test listening of other topics.

[u/Fuzzy-Preference6916]

According the inside back cover of the textbook "Teach Yourself Complete Gaelic":

A1: Can understand and use familiar everyday expressions and very basic phrases aimed at the satisfaction of needs of a concrete type. Can introduce himself/herself and others and can ask and answer questions about personal details such as where he/she lives, people he/she knows, and things he/she has. Can interact in a simple way provided the other person talks slowly and clearly and is prepared to help.

A2: Can understand sentences and frequently used expressions related to areas of most immediate relevance (e.g. very basic personal and family information, shopping, local geography, employment). Can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar and routine matters. Can describe in simple terms aspects of his/her background, immediate environment and matters in areas of immediate need.

If you can do these with minimal reference (or ideally no reference) back to your learning materials or resources, you could say you're at that level. This particular textbook says it can take you to B2.

[u/chosgith_chonemui]

A bheil thu a' tuigsinn e no a bheil e ro doirbh fhathast?

If you understand it move on, inevitably you'll have to dip back to revise certain things you don't come across much, that happens at all levels but if you think you have a solid foundation then go for it. Just do what feels achievable and if not continue revising until it is.

[u/AskPutrid9684 → u/chosgith_chonemui]

Tapadh leibh! Tha mi a' smaoineachadh mi a' tuigsinn gu math a' leobhar, a' sgriobhadh agus a' bruidhinn ach chan eil ag èisteach.

Thank you! I think i am understanding well with reading, writing and speaking (to myself) at A1 but not so well with listening.

This is the first time learning a language since mandatory school and I am finding my feet with the how to learn on my own as much as with the language. I am not in an area where classes are possible. I guess there's no right or wrong way in the end.

[u/chosgith_chonemui → u/AskPutrid9684]

Honestly get stuck in. Listening is always a bit behind because it's the hardest skill to develop, especially when you can't be around it. I also think that learning more advanced grammar naturally improves listening by exposing you to more complex variations of what you already know. Entry level language isn't really how people speak so as you learn how to modify and combine things it'll make more sense.

Anyway I know people who are conversationally fluent in English as a second language but still need subtitles on movies because the nature of the dialogue being so spontaneous and hard to predict + variety of accents/talking speed + background noise/shitty sound engineering = auditory nightmare. I think there's always some lag but who cares tbh.

re: the formality, I'm no expert but in comment sections n stuff it seems to be down to personal preference. Follow ur heart

[u/AskPutrid9684 → u/AskPutrid9684]

P.s. For "reddit stranger" is it tapadh leat or tapadh leibh? How formal is reddit considered?

[u/Top-Maize-823 → u/AskPutrid9684]

tapadh leibh is nice to show respect. But I dont see anyone being offended by tapadh leat esp from someone identifying them self as beginning wit gàidhlig

[u/Disastrous-Rule-5171]

Yeah it is a hard one to judge but I believe what everyone has said in here so far is very true. For me I have been studying Scottish Gaelic for over three years now, some with tutors and some from online courses. With a combination of all that on top of my own study I can see myself at a comfortable A2 level right now. I am beginning to tap into B1 but it's the very basics of it. Again, it is subjective based on how often you study, what level you have studied at etc.

[u/certifieddegenerate]

aint nobody holding a gun to ur head. u can start a new book if u want to