TIP - What is it?

Gaelic acquired by way of Total Immersion Plus (TIP) occurs in an environment that is exclusive to this language. Moreover, no other language is permitted on a TIP centred course. However, there are one or two exceptions and they are discussed later on in this document.

TIP is founded on the imaginative use of the widest range possible of everyday equipment, topics, strategies, items, objects, tools, materials found in one's everyday life.

TIP methodology excludes all reading, writing, grammar and translation within its first phase. Such important skills are embraced only in phases two and three.

Acquisition in TIP terms, means that students are surrounded by the Gaelic they are learning and by way of tutor directed information. The language is picked up and absorbed by the student as they progress through a TIP course; initially in the use of single words, phrases and then moving onto sentences; ultimately leading to conversation.

Once a student has embarked on language acquisition two fundamental components of TIP kick in. These being intensive repetition and non verbal communication and as progress is made, fluency begins to occur.

An essential feature of TIP is the half or one day introductory session for prospective students. The session outlines the path of an intended TIP course; a student's role on a course; the "Gaelic only" rule and why we have an "English Only Room".

Gaelic language acquisition TIP requires an "English Only Room". This room which must be completely separate for the course room will allow other language speakers to remove themselves from the Gaelic only environment, to another place where they can let off five to ten minutes of other language steam. They can then return to the language acquisition room, refreshed and well able for the Gaelic only environment.

A great strength of TIP is its ability to be an ideal foundation for many other and varied language acquisition courses.

TIP can proudly boast of yet another and profoundly unique feature and that being, its suitability for those communities who have no written language as part of their culture.