Episode 78: Gaelic Songs & Oral Tradition with Ali Coyle
Join me for a conversation about Gaelic Songs and the role of singing in oral tradition with Gaelic singer Ali Coyle.
Let’s talk about Gaelic songs! Ali Coyle (Alison Mhic Giolla Chomhgaill) may not be fluent in Gaelic yet, but she has taken on the role of a Gaelic tradition bearer, learning Gaelic songs and their stories. In this conversation, Ali shares how she got started with singing in Gaelic and how songs shape her relationship with Gaelic culture and history.
We talk about the role of singing in Gaelic oral tradition, the sheer variety of topics covered in Gaelic songs and how music relates to slowing down and travelling more responsibly.
Of course, Ali also sings us a song!
In this chat we cover…
- Why songs and singing are so important to Gaelic culture and heritage
- How Ali got into singing Gaelic songs and what it takes to get started
- What topics might we encounter when we learn about Gaelic songs
- How Gaelic songs are passed on traditionally,
- and more!
Connect with Ali and her husband Dan on their Gaelic Instagram account @beag.air.bheag
Resources
Gaelic singers Ali mentioned: Kathleen MacInnes, Julie Fowlis, Rachel Walker
Gaelic Song Class group on Facebook: Seinn Air Loidhne by Brian OhEadhra
Look out for Gaelic language & singing classes at Ceòlas Gaelic Centre in South Uist and Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, the Gaelic College in Skye
Royal National Mòd is Scotland’s premier Gaelic festival celebrating our Gaelic linguistic and cultural heritage
Listen to the Gaelic Song Stories podcast with Gaelic singer Deirdre Graham
Listen to my interview with Dan Coyle about his journey of connecting with his Gaelic heritage through his passions for swimming
Listen to ‘A Taste of Freedom‘, my immersive story about sailing on the Scottish west coast with Stravaigin Sailing