Manx Gaelic — Gaelg
Manx Gaelic was declared "extinct" by UNESCO in 2009 when its last native speaker, Ned Maddrell, died in 1974. But the Isle of Man refused to let it go. Today, there are more Manx speakers than at any time in the last century.
Common Manx Phrases
| English | Manx | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| Hello | Moghrey mie | MOR-a MY (morning) / Fastyr mie = afternoon |
| How are you? | Kys t'ou? | Kiss TOW |
| Thank you | Gura mie ayd | GURR-a MY ADE |
| Goodbye | Slane lhiat | SLAN-a LEE-at |
| Isle of Man | Ellan Vannin | ELL-an VAN-in |
| Cheers! | Shoh slaynt! | Show SLANT |
| Welcome | Failt erriu | FALT ER-oo |
Learn Manx
- Bunscoill Ghaelgagh — The Manx-medium primary school in St John's. All subjects taught in Manx.
- Culture Vannin — Free Manx lessons, resources, recordings. culturevannin.im
- Manx Language classes — Evening classes for adults in Douglas and other towns
- Learn Manx app — Free mobile app for beginners
The Revival: From near-extinction, Manx is now taught in every school on the island. The Bunscoill Ghaelgagh (Manx-medium school) has a waiting list. Road signs are bilingual. And in 2024, UNESCO changed Manx's status from "extinct" to "critically endangered" — because a dead language doesn't have new native speakers, and Manx does.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Manx similar to Irish or Scottish Gaelic?
Yes. Manx Gaelic is a Goidelic Celtic language, closely related to Irish and Scottish Gaelic. A speaker of Irish or Scottish Gaelic can often understand written Manx, though the spelling system is different (based on English phonetics rather than Irish/Scottish conventions).
How many people speak Manx?
Approximately 2,000-2,500 people have some fluency in Manx, with several hundred fluent speakers. The number is growing, especially among young people. The Bunscoill (Manx-medium school) produces new fluent speakers every year.