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Cariad

Cariad is the Volkswagen Group’s in-house software division . It was founded in 2020, but since then it has had to deal with: reorganizations, setbacks of assorted types, delays, hiring sprees followed by layoff sprees.

I use their software on a weekly basis driving a VW ID. Buzz. However, I am far from a fanboy. It leaves me unimpressed.

VW CEO Herbert Diess (1958 – ) received a doctorate in mechanical engineering and production technologies in 1987. This does not help with the critical issues facing electric vehicle manufacturing in the 2020s. At one point he seemed to be in a bro-manse with Elon Musk. My suspicion then was that VW wanted software help from Tesla. They didn’t get it.

Now VW is in a relationship with Rivian. It is anything but a bro-manse because one participant is providing a needed service (Rivian), and the other participant (VW) is paying for it. It is referred to as a software joint venture, but joint does not refer to any form of equality in the relationship. Volkswagen is investing up to $5 billion into Rivian. To understand why this is happening, one has to return to Dieselgate, when the Volkswagen Group faced an earth-shattering scandal that led it to commit to one day going all-electric.

This electification meant that the VW Group needed, for lack of a better term, a Tesla-like approach to software and digital technology. Historically, the auto industry trivialized software. It was only used for a few things, like engine management, or driver-facing bits like infotainment and navigation. The components using software were made by different suppliers, with different software standards, and there was no need for this software to communicate with other bits of software. A key term here is piecemeal. It was also old-school, compared to the smartphones and tablets that have now become an integral part of human life.

A piecemeal approach doesn’t work in a world where cars need over-the-air software updates. It doesn’t work when companies need revenue from downloadable features. It doesn’t work when effective EV battery management has to be integrated with DC fast charger and slower home charging systems. It doesn’t work when drivers are dependent on advanced automated driving assistance and, one day, fully autonomous cars.

Today’s electric cars need to be computers on wheels, more than anything else. Volkswagen needs to be great at making computers. The alternative it becomes a car body manufacturer, supplying components for tech companies, or sells its plant and equipment to manufacturers who understand the new manufacturing requirements. Many of these will be located in China.

Almost every legacy automaker has struggled with pivoting their 100-year-old businesses to do this stuff well. (Companies like the recently bankrupt Fisker show the startups aren’t automatically better.)

Issues with software have led to negative reviews of early examples of cars like the Volkswagen ID.3 and ID.4. The key problem here has been the lack of physical buttons, and a reliance on screens that require far too much scrolling, and take attention away from the road. Other problems can be classified as delays. This applies to individual models such as the Porsche Macan EV and Audi Q6 E-Tron.

Even worse, it applies to platforms, such as one for Project Trinity, involving: “a newly developed electronics platform with state-of-the-art software, the simplification of the supply structure, and fully networked and intelligent production at the main plant in Wolfsburg.” Yes, those were VW’s own words. I appreciate the fact that Trinity wants autonomous driving in the volume segment possible starting at Level 2+ but technically ready for Level 4. They claim to want a system based on neural networks, but this would require digital competence that is probably unavailable. In other words, it is just hype. Magically, Trinity gives people time and saves them stress. I am uncertain if they can deliver!

As I have been reading in Wolfgang Münchau’s Kaput: The end of the German miracle (2024), Germany lacks a meaningful digital culture. Thus, I doubt whether they have the internal competence to produce artificial intelligence (AI) real-time (RT) products.

Volkswagen Group has been struggling in three major markets. Despite largish sales, it is a follower in Europe, where Volvo, Renault and now Tesla have been leading the way with respect to EVs. VW has been losing ground in China, where any sensible Chinese purchaser will opt for BYD, Nio or some other domestic manufacturer. It has failed to grow in North America, but thinks it may find salvation with a cute Buzz, and a revamped Scout brand.

It now thinks that delaying the transition to EVs will be to its benefit. I disagree. This will only give other OEMs more time to develop better products. I am thinking especially of BYD, but even companies based outside of China, will have an opportunity to make improvements. Yes, I am thinking especially of the Vietnamese Vinfast.

I have previously attempted to explain why hydrogen based vehicles will not be suitable: the cost of producing green hydrogen, will be too expensive. The electricity needed to split H2O into H2 and O2, could be used to power EVs, without an intermediary. Of course, I suspect that hydrogen manufacturers will want to use black hydrogen, based on methane. It is cheaper, but still a fossil fuel.

The investment from VW will allow Rivian to not only improve its automotive production, but will transform Rivian into an automotive software powerhouse, the go-to company for software components.

Rivian is providing an electrical architecture and computer platform that reduces the number of electronic control units (ECUs) used to control a vehicle from 17 to 7. A zonal architecture cuts 2.5 km of wiring from each vehicle, a 20 kg savings. The key to understanding these reductions, is not to regard the reduction in material costs, but in labour costs, because vehicles can be built faster. Rivian’s key innovation is its electrical architecture. This is what allows a company to update software over the air (OtA). Vehicles cannot just import software from Apple, or Microsoft. They need real-time operating systems (RTOS) that manage thermal dynamics, advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and safety systems, as well as another layer related to an infotainment system.

Note: Note: Younger people without a meaningful career path, reading this post may want to investigate real-time computing. Often any programming requires adherence to safety standards, such as DO-178B, Software Considerations in Airborne Systems and Equipment Certification is a guideline dealing with the safety of safety-critical software used in certain airborne systems. With those skills in place people should be able to find that there are many work opportunities, and little competition. Robotics is another area where real-time computing is used. Training in this field is usually outside the context of normal computer science subjects. With an RTOS, the processing time is measured in tenths of seconds. This system is time-bound and has a fixed deadline. The processing in this type of system must occur within the specified constraints. Otherwise, This will lead to system failure. Examples: airline traffic control and reservation systems, heart pacemakers, multimedia systems (audio and video), robotics.

Solutions do not involve hiring massive number of programmers, because most programmers will not know what they are doing. Most automotive original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) including GM, Ford, Stellantis and VW Group have repeatedly tried to master software, but ultimately failed to do so. Geely (with Lotus, Polestar and Volvo) has been more successful, as have many of the domestic Chinese brands. Toyota is at the other end of the scale, despite its early adoption of hybrids.

My belief is that the leadership of these OEMs have failed to understand that computer systems differ. Someone who is an expert in databases (sorry, Patrick) probably does not have the background needed to understand real-time systems. Very few people with computer backgrounds have worked with these, let alone managed real-time development environments.

Part of the challenge here is that the OEMs look at Tesla, and see a company that has managed to make large numbers of EVs. What remains hidden is the Tesla Roadster. It was in development from 2003 to 2008, with the first prototypes being officially revealed on 2006-07-19, in Santa Monica, California.

Various Think vehicles were built from 1991 to 2011, under various names. Kewet, later Buddy, produced EVs were produced from 1991 to 2013. Other early EVs were vans. The Citroën Berlingo Electrique, was built from 1998.

The Renault–Nissan–Mitsubishi Alliance was established in 1999, originally between Renault of France and Nissan of Japan, but with Mitsubishi Motors of Japan joining in 2017. It has its headquarters in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. The Renault Kangoo EV van was introduced as a prototype in 2008, the Nissan Leaf has been in production since 2010, the Mitsubishi MiEV since 2011. These were the first EVs for ordinary people.

Other manufacturers, looking at the early adapters, including Tesla, believed that the auto industry could easily pivot to batteries, motors and software. Unfortunately, transitioning is hard work. Part of the problem is that press releases don’t align with engineering realities. The age of the auto industry can be debated, but some estimate it is approaching 140 years old. Building EVs not only involves using new technology. There is also a lot of tradition that needs to be eradicated. Sometimes getting rid of something is more difficult than adding something.

Closing remarks: I wondered what sort of EV I would be driving for more than a decade. In 2012, I borrowed/ test drove a Nissan N-200 van, and considered buying an Evalia. It did not appeal to my partner. Neither did the new Citroën Berlingo EV. I also wondered if our first EV would be a Renault Kangoo van. It wasn’t. When the next moment came to consider an EV in 2022, the contenders included a vast number of brands, including a Renault Zöe, Migane and Kangoo. I am happy with Buzz, but see the weaknesses in it.

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Models

Recovery and coloring of the Animal theoretical: C = circulatory system, D = digestive system, E = excretory system, N = nervous system, R = respiratory system, Paul Bert (1833-1886), Leçons de zoologie, 1881

Since I spend much of my time writing, I often reflect over the words that I use. One of these reflections involved the use of the term model, which is used in several divergent contexts.

As a noun, it can be: an imitation or a replica. A synonym here could be a copy. It could also refer to a small object, usually built to scale, that represents in detail another, often larger object ; a preliminary work or construction that serves as a plan from which a final product is to be made; a work or construction used in testing or perfecting a final product; a person with a role either to display commercial products or someone posing for an artwork such as a painting or photograph; a product line, referring to its design, in the context of the manufacturer’s range or series of products, where different models are distinguishable by technology, components, underpinnings, and/or style and appearance.

As a verb, it can refer to the act of person displaying themselves. Then again, there is non-human modelling, especially creating a scaled-down version of something large, or a scaled up version of something small. It can also refer to: to form or plan according to a model; to give shape or form to; fashion; to make a miniature model of something; to fashion in clay, wax, or the like; to simulate (a process, concept, or the operation of a system), commonly with the aid of a computer; to display to other persons or to prospective customers, especially by wearing: to model dresses; to use or include as an element in a larger construct.

As an adjective, model can refer to: serving or being worth to serve as an example or model; being a small or miniature version of something. Exemplary or miniature could be useful synonyms here.

I consulted Wikimedia Commons to see what images showed up when searching with the keyword model. Of the first 100 models I found there were 6 human females, 0 human males, 11 architectural, 79 transportation related, and 4 other models presented as images. The first item, one of four in the other group, illustrates this post. It is titled: Recovery and coloring of the Animal theoretical by Paul Bert (1833-1886), found in: Leçons de zoologie, 1881. It was coloured by Wikimedia user Lamiot, and published 2012-10-13.

Sailboats

Sailing dinghy models are referred to as classes. Thus, it is with some hesitancy that I begin showing examples of models with these. Some models/ classes have very stringent criteria that have to be met, to be included. Others thrive on flexibility. I have always appreciated small sailing dinghies, especially the designs of Uffa Fox (1898 – 1972). From my perspective, his most important design was that for Avenger (1927), world famous for being the first planing hull dinghy. For its time, it was very fast.

The first time I sailed in a dinghy was with Thomas de Roos (1920 – 2005) and his son Robert (1948 – ) on a Dutch built dinghy (of an unknown class), on Okanagan Lake. The de Roos family also had a smaller boat (about 7 foot) which was a Pirat.

Some sailing dinghies have animal names: Blue Jay, Butterfly, Frog, Firefly, Fly, Flying Ant, Jacksnipe, Lark, Marlin, Moth, Otter, Pelican, Penguin, Shrimp, Sunfish, Tadpole. Of those, the one that has attracted my attention the most is Moth, for its foiling capabilities.

The first dinghy I built and owned was a Sabot, named after the Dutch wooden shoe, designed by Charles G. McGregor, and published in The Rudder magazine in 1939, with variations produced later. I had a copy of this design made available at Valley Lumber, in New Westminster. Note: I have been trying to find more information about McGregor. All I really know is that between 1906 and 1949 he published 58 designs in The Rudder magazine. From 1930 on, most of his designs were intended for plywood (read: amateur) construction.

Another dinghy that I sailed was the Enterprise, designed by Jack Holt (1912 – 1995) in 1956 for The News Chronicle, becoming the first UK sailing dinghy to be sponsored by a national newspaper. Most of its appeal could be summarized in one word: availability. During our annual stay at Blind Bay, on Shuswap Lake, I would borrow one from the boatbuilders who lived and worked there. Once again, I was particularly fascinated with it because much of it was made of plywood, a product that was suitable for amateur construction. In retrospect, the socialist Brock has been challenged by its blue sails and class name. The larger Wayfayer, designed by Ian Proctor (1918 – 2002) in 1957, is probably a better boat. Frank Dye (1928 – 2010) sailed one, Wanderer, from Scotland to Iceland and back in 1963, then to the Faero Islands and Norway and back to Scotland in 1964.

I also have one special mention: Fatty Knees, designed in 2000 by Lyle Hess (1912 – 2002). It is often regarded as the world’s most versatile dinghy. It can be sailed, rowed and towed. It is made out of fibreglass, and can be stowed aboard a small offshore cruising sailboat. For its size, it can carry a lot of people and goods when necessary, and is stable, and easy to maintain. It is made in three lengths, 7′ (2.1 m), 8′ (2.4 m) and 9′ (2.7 m).

If I should buy a sailing dinghy now, it would probably have to be a Swedish Tvåkrona = Two crowns, designed by Erik Thorsell (1949 – 2021) in 1991. It is made of fibreglass. It is suitable for use in Trondheim fjord.

Cars

My first car was a Hillman Minx. Some might find the model name perplexing, but I find it honest. The definition of Minx, that I prefer, is a girl or young woman who knows how to control other people to her advantage. Yes, I often felt controlled by the cars that have owned me! Other definitions add: flirtatious, impudent, pert, promiscuous or wanton. I prefer not to add any of these restrictions.

Sometimes size matters as in: the Morris Minor, the Morris/ Austin Mini, the Austin Maxi,

Then there are astronomy related names: Chevrolet Equinox; Ford Galaxy; Mercury Comet and Meteor; Mitsubishi Eclipse; Northstar engines found in Cadillacs; Opel (and badge engineered, Saturn) Astra; Polestar, which is a brand rather than a model, referring to the north star. Of those the comet has the most interesting history as a model name. It was originally intended to be a compact Edsel model. With the Edsel brand no longer in use, the Comet in USA was sold in 1960 and 1961 just as a Comet. The Mercury brand name was added in 1962. In Canada, the 1960 model was referred to as a Frontenac, named after Louis de Buade de Frontenac (1622 – 1698), sometime Governor General of New France.

Named after mammals: Audi Fox; Chevrolet Impala; Dodge Ram, a male sheep; Fiat Panda; Ford is the master at using mammal names: Bronco, Mustang and Pinto refer to horses, and the Puma, a cat, with their Mercury division producing a Bobcat and a Cougar; Hillman Husky; Hyundai Pony; Sunbeam Tiger; Triumph Stag; Volkswagen Rabbit. I find the juxtaposition of the VW Group Fox and Rabbit most interesting, in terms of real predator prey relationships. Even more interesting was a fake relationship in a statement from an unknown GM executive who said a Chevrolet Camaro was a small, vicious animal that eats Mustangs.

Then there are birds: AMC Eagle; Buick (and Hupmobile) Skylark; Ford Falcon, and the mythical Thunderbird; Humber Hawk and the Snipe; Nissan Bluebird; Plymouth Road Runner; Pontiac Sunbird as well as the Firebird, another mythical bird; Reliant Robin, a three-wheeler; Studebaker also had various Hawks and a Lark.

The Chevrolet Corvette may take its name from a small warship. However, the first model I became acquainted with, and the only one I would want to own, was a Stingray, a fish. I wrote about a Plymouth Barracuda, another fish, in an English language textbook written by Trish.

Snakes: AC Cobra; Dodge Viper.

Even insects get mentioned: Hudson Hornet; Piaggio Vespa scooter is Italian (and Latin) for wasp; Piaggio Ape = honey bee, in Italian, a three-wheeler.

Special mention: Lotus, with model names beginning with E. The Elite = Type 14 (1957 – 1963). Frank Costin (1920 – 1995) worked for DeHavilland in Britain, but designed the Elite in his spare time. More generally he advanced monocoque chassis design and applied aircraft aerodynamic knowledge for automobile use. Elan = Type 26, Drop Head Coupe & Type 36, Fixed Head Coupe (1962 – 1975) designed by Ron Hickman (1932 – 2011). He is best known for designing the Black & Decker Workmate wood-working bench. These were the only two Lotus models that interested me.

Aircraft

DeHavelland Canada, has named numerous aircraft after animals: DHC-1 Chipmunk, DHC-2 Beaver, DHC-3 Otter, DHC-4 Caribou, DHC-5 Buffalo. They ran out of animals after the DHC-6, Twin Otter.

Boeing has used 7×7, in aircraft model names since the 707 emerged in 1957. Before that, many of their model names began with 3, such as the Boeing 314 Clipper long-range flying boat produced from 1938 to 1941. Airbus models begin with A3, such as the A300 manufactured from 1971 to 2007.

People

Often a model refer to a person displaying something. Examples include haute couture hangers: Swedish Lisa Fonssagrives (1911 – 1992), often regarded as the first supermodel, discovered by photographer Willy Maywald (1907 – 1985) in an elevator in 1936; Jinx Falkenburg (1919 – 2003), the highest paid supermodel in the 1940s in USA; Suzy Parker (1932 – 2003), who appeared on the cover of thousands of magazines in the 1950s; Veruschka = Vera Lehndorff (1939 – ), often called the first German supermodel, notable in my universe, for her role in the film, Blow-up (1966); Twiggy = Lesley Hornby (1949 – ), known for her thin build and the androgynous appearance; Beverly Johnson (1952 – ), the first African American appearing on the cover of Vogue in the 1970s; The Body = Australian Eleanor Nancy Gow = Elle Macpherson (1964 – ); Canadian Linda Evangelista (1965 – ) notable through most of the 1980s and 1990s; Brazilian Gisele Bündchen (1980 – ) the world’s highest paid supermodel between 2003 and 2016. There are male supermodels, even if their income is only a fraction of that made by the most enterprising woman. One example is Tyson Beckford (1970 – ).

Computer names

Commodore Amiga, our first family computer, in Spanish refers to a female friend, but not a girlfriend (or bride), which is novia. Asus – whose name comes from pegasus – also offers portable computer models with Zen: Zenbook, Zenfone, Zenpad. My current laptop is an Acer Swift 3. I have decided, without proof, that it is named after a bird, members of the family Apodidae.

Inappropriate names

UNESCO’s The World Atlas of Languages is an interactive and dynamic online tool that documents different aspects and features of language status in countries and languages around the world. Their methodology indicates there are 8324 languages, spoken or signed, documented by the governments, public institutions and academic communities: Of these, about 7000 languages are still in use.

There are undoubtedly many model names that are suitable in some languages, but are inappropriate in others. The Honda Fit is one example. Throughout Europe it is referred to as a Honda Jazz, because fit is just too impolite to use in Scandinavian languages. Other model names are more humorous, such as the Hyundai Kona. In Norwegian, Kona translates as, the wife.

Because these situations arise, it is understandable that businesses will choose something meaningless for model names. My desktop computer is an Asus PN-50. I also store several generations of Acer Revo mini PCs.

After this text had been written, I decided to see how close my perception of the term model came to that of an online dictionary. Here is what one had to say, with a few minor adjustments:

model as a noun

  1. a standard or example for imitation or comparison.
  2. a representation, generally in miniature, to show the construction or appearance of something.
  3. an image in clay, wax, or the like, to be reproduced in more durable material.
  4. a person or thing that serves as a subject for an artist, sculptor, writer, etc.
  5. a person whose profession is posing for artists or photographers.
  6. a person employed to wear clothing or pose with a product for purposes of display and advertising.
  7. a style or design of a particular product.
  8. a pattern or mode of structure or formation.
  9. a typical form or style.
  10. a simplified representation of a system or phenomenon, as in the sciences or economics, with any hypotheses required to describe the system or explain the phenomenon, often mathematically.
  11. Zoology. an animal that is mimicked in form or color by another.

adjective

  1. serving as an example or model, for example: a model home.
  2. worthy to serve as a model; exemplary: a model student.
  3. being a small or miniature version of something: a model ships.

verb (used with object)

  1. to form or plan according to a model.
  2. to give shape or form to; fashion.
  3. to make a miniature model of.
  4. to fashion in clay, wax, or the like.
  5. to simulate (a process, concept, or the operation of a system), commonly with the aid of a computer.
  6. to display to other persons or to prospective customers, especially by wearing: to model dresses.

verb (used without object)

  1. to make models.
  2. to produce designs in some plastic material.
  3. to assume a typical or natural appearance, as the parts of a drawing in progress.
  4. to serve or be employed as a model.

Origins: First recorded 1565–75; earlier modell, from Middle French modelle, from Italian modello, from Vulgar Latin modellus (unrecorded), equivalent to Latin mod(ulus), a unit of measurement ( module ) + -ellus -elle

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Duolingo

Duo promoting Duolingo Scottish Gaelic. Image: Duolingo

On 2008-08-01, I officially began work at Leksvik secondary school. At some point, possibly because of trips to France, I decided it would be good to improve my French. Thus, I acquired some French textbooks that otherwise would be discarded, and began to spend time studying it.

Unfortunately, I quickly discovered that language textbooks do not suit my personality. I then discovered Memrise, undoubtedly after it was founded in 2010-09. Memrise is focused on vocabulary, and uses spaced repetition to accelerate vocabulary acquisition. It claims spaced repetition is an evidence-based learning technique with increasing time intervals between reviews of previously learned materials.

Once again, I discovered that Memrise did not suit my personality either. I needed something that had more of a focus on grammar. Then I encountered Duolingo. It seemed a better match for me. I have used it since 2014-06-??. Yes, that is over ten years ago. French was my first language, and is still the language where I have accumulated the greatest number of points with Duolingo. This is followed by: Swedish, Scottish Gaelic, German, Ukrainian, Finnish and Portuguese. In addition, I have tried out a few other languages.

A note on Nordic languages.

There are those who contend that Danish, Norwegian and Swedish are dialects of a single language. I can understand that argument. What I don’t appreciate is the misunderstandings that arise because people do not recognize how the three languages differ. In my tertiary level education in Norway, I have had to use textbooks in five languages: Bokmål = regular Norwegian, Danish, English, Nynorsk = New Norwegian and Swedish. There is usually no problem for a Norwegian to understand written Danish, as long as they avoid numbers! Take seventy (70) = sytti in Norwegian, but halvfjerds, short for halvfjerdsinds-tyve = half way to the fourth times twenty. It is spoken Danish that creates misunderstandings.

When I was using Swedish textbooks, I would deliberately pronounce the words aloud. This made them understandable in Norwegian. The problem with Swedish for Norwegian speakers are the false friends. The most common example is rolig. In Norwegian it is an adjective meaning quiet. In Swedish it means funny. There are many more.

I cannot recall a time in my life when I have felt so exhausted as in 1980 – 1981. It was usually after returning home from school, after using Norwegian continuously throughout the day. Fortunately, that situation changed fairly quickly. Today, I can switch between English and Norwegian without difficulties. Except, this year, when visiting the Isle of Wight, I attempted to use Norwegian (rather than English) with one of the locals. This is due to conditioning. In my daily life, whenever I encounter a stranger, I use Norwegian.

Further developments …

In 2015, I had completed everything in French that Duolingo had to offer. After I had worked on it daily for 500 days, I allowed my streak – continuous duration of daily language exercises – to lapse. I then worked with Duolingo fairly regularly to learn other languages, but often took weekend breaks.

After a trip to Madeira in 2017, I once again decided to work with Duolingo on a daily basis. On the publication of this post, I have officially worked on it for 2835 consecutive days = 7 years, 9 months, 3 days. I am currently working with Scottish Gaelic, with the hope of being reasonably fluent in it for a trip to Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia in 2025. My intention with learning Gaelic is to gain a better understanding of the Gaelic culture there.

This extensive use of Duolingo, does not mean that I have been totally faithful. At one point, I was also using a dedicated site to learn Icelandic. In part, I enjoyed it because I thought it would help me appreciate the Icelandic crime program Ófærð = Trapped, with 3 series and 28 episodes since 2015. I found the Icelandic course well structured, but had limited use for it. Then, when I planned a visit to Iceland in 2023, it was too late to learn much more of the language. It is doubtful that I will visit Iceland again, for more than a day on a trip to or from somewhere else in North America.

The Scots Gaelic Duolingo course has been operational since 2019-11-30. In 2022-03, it was taken over by Sabhal Mòr Ostaig, = The great/ big barn at Ostaig (literal translation), the National Centre for Gaelic Language and Culture, with their main campus on the Sleat peninsula, in the south of the Isle of Skye, Scotland. They also offer: An Cùrsa Inntrigidh = the entrance course, and the immersive, An Cùrsa Comais = the competency course.

At one point I had read that 1.8 million people had tried Duolingo Scottish Gaelic, and that over 500 000 had used it regularly.

This is not my first excursion into Scottish Gaelic. In the early 1980s, fresh from successfully learning Norwegian, I purchased a copy of Roderick Mackinnon’s (1908 – 1979) Teach Yourself Gaelic: A complete guide for beginners in Scottish Gaelic (1971). I still have this book close at hand, because of its 45 pages of vocabulary.

I would not encourage everyone to study Scottish Gaelic. My interest, at least in part, is because of my Scottish heritage, both biological (from the Orkneys) and adoptive (from Morar, then South Uist in the Hebrides). I am supportive of Misneachd = Courage, the Gaelic campaign group, and its proposal for a Scottish Gaelic local community language based on Ireland’s 2012 Gaeltacht Act. In Scottish Gaelic, the term used is Gaidhealtachd = a recognised Gaelic-speaking area. In this model there would be a local organization in each district throughout the core Gaelic areas of the Western Isles = Outer Hebrides, Skye and Tiree, as well as in urban areas such as Glasgow, Edinburgh and Aberdeen.

Gaelic was once the principal language of Scotland. After the Jacobite Rebellions from 1689 to 1745, the language was heavily persecuted. The highland clearances resulted in many Gaels being sent overseas, often to Canada, where they founded Gaelic-speaking communities. The Education Scotland Act of 1872 effectively banned Gaelic in Scotland’s schools. Some of those caught speaking the language faced physical punishment.

Gaelic is now spoken by just under 60 000 people in Scotland. In 2005, the Scottish Parliament passed an act securing Gaelic as an official language of Scotland. Since then the number of speakers under 20 has begun to rise. Around 5 600 children are currently being schooled using Gaelic. The majority of Scots view Gaelic favourably. Gaelic now has its own television channel, radio stations, and a short film festival. New dedicated schools are being built. Parents are learning Gaelic with their children.

Duolingo’s Gaelic course provides a free and accessible route into Gaelic learning for all. However, it comes with advertisements. I pay an affordable annual fee to avoid the ads.

It is crucial that people learn this language in order to maintain its recovery. That situation is also true for many other languages, and people without a Scottish heritage may find it more appropriate to learn a different language. Because Gaelic is a small language community, every speaker — native and learner — is important to secure its future. Irish and Welsh, have shown how smaller languages can thrive on Duolingo. Propaganda from Duolingo suggest that parents with children in Gaelic-medium education will be able to learn alongside their children.

Gaelic phrases

Here are three basic Gaelic phrases: Halo = hello, fàilte = welcome, tapadh leat = thank you.

The language does contain some false friends. Here is one example: beag (pronounced big) = small; mòr = big. Some situations demand that the spelling and pronunciation change to bheag and mhòr, so that the first part is pronounced like a v.

Here is a more advanced Gaelic sentence to Impress your friends: Thig crìoch air an t-saoghal ach mairidh gaol is ceòl. = The world may end, but love and music will endure.

My future with language

I intend to expand my horizons by learning more about runic alphabets. The Scandinavian variant is known as fuþark, or futhark; this name is derived from the first six letters of the script, ⟨ᚠ⟩, ⟨ᚢ⟩, ⟨ᚦ⟩, ⟨ᚨ⟩/⟨ᚬ⟩, ⟨ᚱ⟩, and ⟨ᚲ⟩/⟨ᚴ⟩, corresponding to the Latin letters ⟨f⟩, ⟨u⟩, ⟨þ⟩/⟨th⟩, ⟨a⟩, ⟨r⟩, and ⟨k⟩. The Anglo-Saxon variant is known as fuþorc or futhorc, due to changes in Old English of the sounds represented by the fourth letter, ⟨ᚨ⟩/⟨ᚩ⟩.