Languages of Scotland

By: Haley N. Zelms | November 3rd, 2023

Did you know that while English is the dominant language in modern Scotland, the country has rich native languages of its own?

Scotland is home to two distinct and beautiful ancient languages: Scottish Gaelic (pronounced Gah-lick) and Scots. However, throughout Scotland's history, persistent efforts by colonial rulers were made to suppress cultural traditions and marginalize these indigenous languages. This suppression not only stripped the people of their linguistic heritage but also eroded a significant part of their cultural identity. It is not a fictional language; rather, it is a real, endangered language that has had a profound impact on the lives and identities of real people. These languages are not something to use lightly or without understanding.

Words and language have the power to shape a culture, embody its history, and unite its people. Taking away a language is akin to stripping a culture of its power and richness. Today, it's a stark reality that roughly 1%-0.5% of native Scottish people speak Scottish Gaelic and 1.1% speaks Scots as according to Scotland’s Census. Scottish Gaelic- a real, living language- is classified currently as "definitely endangered" by UNESCO, highlighting the urgent need for its preservation and accuracy. Scots is considered “potentially vulnerable” by UNESCO currently. Proper education (spelling, speaking, pronunciation, etc.) matters. It is up to us to honor and protect this language, or risk losing it all together.

Scottish Gaelic and Scots holds a special place in the hearts of the Scottish people, and it's vital that we recognize the languages’ authenticity and significance. It's an integral part of the cultural renaissance and revitalization in Scotland. We encourage everyone to learn about these unique languages correctly, not only to preserve it but also to celebrate its role in shaping the cultural mosaic of Scotland. By doing so, we can honor the heritage of this remarkable nation and help keep its linguistic and cultural treasures alive for generations to come.

Here are some resources to get you started on your language learning journey! The best part? Most of these should be free. We will continue to update this list with additional resources as best we can.