New speakers, potential new speakers, and their experiences and abilities in scottish gaelic

Abstract

This chapter examines the features of adult L2 Gaelic that distinguish highly proficient new speakers from less proficient potential new speakers. Gaelic usage practices are also investigated and compared between the two groups. Sixteen adult L2 Gaelic users provided data about their language practices via semi-structured interviews and questionnaires. Proficiency was assessed using data from two Gaelic language tasks: A semi-structured interview and a narrative. These data were analysed within the Complexity, Accuracy, and Fluency framework. Data were also rated on a CEFR-based proficiency scale by L1 Gaelic users. Results highlight the ways in which linguistic experiences and practices manifest themselves in the oral performances of L2 Gaelic users, both in terms of objective proficiency criteria and in how their performance is perceived.