Isla Callister-Wafer
TWO students from the Isle of Man are to spend time in the Donegal gaeltacht this summer as part of the ongoing revival of Manx on the island.
Manx (Gaelg/Gailck) Manx is a Celtic language spoken on the Isle of Man/Ellan Vannin. It is closely related to Ulster Irish and Scottish Gaelic of Galloway and was brought to the Isle of Man by settlers from those areas during the 5th century AD.
Culture Vannin, the island’s culture department, has announced the first two recipients of a bursary scheme for young fluent speakers of Manx.
The bursary will enable them to attend the summer school in Irish language and culture run by Oideas Gael in Glencolmcille.
The first two successful recipients of the scheme are Isla Callister-Wafer and Erin McNulty.
Erin is currently studying French and Linguistics at the University of Oxford whilst Isla will start her degree in Traditional Music at the Royal Conservatoire in Glasgow this year.
Both attended QEII High School where they studied Manx, whilst Isla is also an ex-pupil of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh in St Johns.
The bursary scheme is named after Manxman and academic, Professor Brian Kaneen, a professor and lecturer in German and Linguistics at Simon Fraser University in British Columbia who was keen to see young Manx speakers given the opportunity to experience other Gaelic languages, especially Ulster Irish.
Adrian Cain, Manx Language Development Officer for Culture Vannin, said: “Both are exceptionally talented students who not only have a deep understanding of Manx but a wide range of other interests that include music and minority languages.
“It’s a superb reflection on the Island that we have two very talented students representing us this summer in Donegal – they’ll do the Island proud!’
We look forward to welcoming them!
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