Free discussion on the 'origins of our tongue' at Celtic Connections

Festival-goers at this year’s Celtic Connections are invited to come along to the City Halls, Glasgow on Wednesday (January 30th) for The Origins of Our Tongue - a lively discussion and debate about the origins of Scotland’s indigenous languages, hosted by the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The evening of quick fire wit and wisdom, chaired by comedian Susan Morrison, features four of Scotland’s leading language academics: Dr Donna Heddle, Director of the University of the Highlands and Islands’ Centre for Nordic Studies, Professor Rob Dunbar, Director of Soillse (the National Research Network for the Maintenance and Revitalisation of Gaelic Language and Culture), with guests Dr Christine Robinson, Director of Scottish Language Dictionaries and J Derrick McClure, Honorary Senior Lecturer at the University of Aberdeen.

Dr Donna Heddle explained: “Scotland has a diverse indigenous cultural identity and language is very much the foundation of it. It is time for us to cherish the diverse linguistic heritage which underpins who and what we are, for in our past lie the seeds of our future, and without our tongue, we cannot speak for ourselves. I am very much looking forward to being in discussion with such eminent and lively colleagues who will have plenty to say on this fascinating topic!”

The ‘Origins of Our Tongue’ debate is one of a number of free Celtic Connections events organised by the University of the Highlands and Islands, an education partner with the festival. University students and staff will be involved in a variety of lectures and concerts. For more information go to our website.

Susan Morrison warned language enthusiasts not to miss out: “Be there or haud yer wheesht!”

‘The Origins of Our Tongue’ takes place from 7.00pm to 9.00pm on Wednesday 30th January in Glasgow City Halls. The event is free, but ticketed. To book a place or find out more, visit www.celticconnections.com

Media contact

Alison Lochhead
Communications and external relations manager
01463 279222
alison.lochhead@uhi.ac.uk