S2 #4 Finding Irish as an Adult Learner - A Conversation with Briana Ní Loingsigh

In this episode of Season 2 of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan, host Finghin Mac Cárthaigh (Flor McCarthy) sits down with Briana Ní Loingsigh, an Irish-Polish American writer, creator, and Irish language learner.Together, they explore how learning Irish (Gaeilge) can go far beyond grammar and vocabulary, opening powerful pathways into identity, heritage, and belonging.Thanks for your interest in The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to access valuable Irish language learning resources.Throughout the conversation, they reflect on the emotional power of Irish — from family connections and memory to the deep cultural meanings embedded within words.This episode reminds us that Irish is not simply something to learn — it is something to experience, feel, and live.This Episode Celebrates:* The role of storytelling in learning Irish* The power of etymology to unlock meaning* The emotional connection between language, identity, and heritage* The importance of accessibility and community in language revivalIf you’ve ever felt disconnected from Irish — or unsure where to begin — this episode will resonate deeplyThanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.Podcast NotesRelearning Irish as an AdultBriana shares her journey from struggling with languages in school to learning Irish later in life. Her experience highlights how mindset, rather than ability, is often the biggest barrier to language learning.Identity, Heritage and ConnectionGrowing up with a strong Irish-American identity, Briana always felt a connection to Ireland — but it was through the Irish language that this connection deepened. Gaeilge became a meaningful way to explore her heritage and understand her place within it.Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable resources.Overcoming Fear and Embracing ImperfectionA central theme in this episode is the importance of moving through fear. Briana reflects on the hesitation she felt when starting out — and how letting go of perfection allowed her to build confidence over time.Learning Irish became not just an educational journey, but a personal one.How to Learn Irish EffectivelyBriana shares practical insights for learners, including:* The value of structured classes for guidance and accountability* Using tools like Duolingo as a starting point, not a solution* Reading early to build familiarity with the language* Speaking from the beginning, even when it feels uncomfortableShe emphasises that consistency, curiosity, and community are key to progress.Building Community Through LanguageThrough Irish, Briana has built friendships, connections, and a sense of belonging that extends beyond geography.Her experience shows that Irish is not limited to Ireland — it is a living language shaped by the people who engage with it.Language as Personal TransformationBeyond fluency, Briana reflects on how learning Irish helped her move beyond self-doubt and reshape what she believed she was capable of.This episode shows that learning a language can change not just how you communicate — but how you see yourself.Free Irish Learning ResourcesIf you enjoyed this episode of The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan and want to continue your Irish language journey:Access free Irish learning resources, stay updated on upcoming episodes, and receive exclusive content.Sign up here:Free Resources: The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan Free ResourcesYou can also follow my writing on Substack:Thanks for reading The Language Question ~ Ceist na Teangan! Subscribe for free to receive priority notification on future episodes and to receive valuable learning resources.A newsletter and community for anyone learning the Irish language as an adultSlán tamall,Finghin Mac CárthaighHost – The Language Question ~ Ceist na TeanganMore on Briana Ní LoingsighBriana Ní LoingsighBriana Ní Loingsigh is an Irish-Polish American writer, creator, and Irish language learner. Through her work, she explores themes of identity, heritage, personal growth, and language learning.She is the author of the Substack Foghlaimeoir, where she writes in both Irish and English, sharing her journey as an adult learner and offering reflections that resonate with others reconnecting with Gaeilge.Learn more:SubstackInstagram This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit finghinmac.substack.com