The 20-part series, aimed at learners of Irish at intermediate level is part of a closely integrated multimedia language course. As well as the twenty-part television series, it comprises a book (published by Gill and Macmillan), audio CDs, a website, DVDs and radio programmes. UCD’s Adult Education Programme will also present a course based on Turas Teanga in the Autumn.
“We’re absolutely thrilled with how well it’s doing,” says Mairéad Ní Nuadháin, Commissioning Editor for RTÉ and Executive Producer of the series. “The first three programmes have drawn 140,000 viewers. It was a big statement from RTE in support of the language. No other broadcaster would put on an educational series at that time of the evening, up against a massive audience for programmes like Coronation Street.”
Turas Teanga is underpinned by a carefully-designed communicative syllabus, in which the focus is on topics and language functions. Each programme in the series – and the corresponding unit in the book – deals with one main topic. Topics include Education, Work, Health, Travel, Technology, the Media, and Friendship & Love. Simple grammar explanations are given in the book and unnecessary jargon is avoided.
“Sharon does a fantastic job,” says Mairéad Ní Nuadháin. “RTE has never had a series before which is so integrated and interactive. We’ll have a complete set of DVD discs out in March in support of the series.”
(The Turas Teanga website at www.rte.ie/tt contains sound and video files, exercises, an extensive grammar section and information about the Irish).
Overall, it’s a superb initiative, which represents public service broadcasting at its best. It’s well worth tuning in – and getting involved.