Is your business interested in celebrating Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia but doesn’t know where to start? Then you’ve come to the right place!
 
Learning a language needn’t be hard work for your business. As proud sponsors of Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia, Energia have a list of handy tips and suggestions so that your company can get the most from this festival of Irish language and culture. All you need is a desire to discover more about Irish!
 

• The best way to start is to take the first step

 
Don’t worry if you only know a handful of Irish words or even if you don’t know any Irish words at all! Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia is about bringing people together from every level of Irish to join in the festivities. Everybody is welcome!
 

• Don’t fear the fáda, make friends with the fáda

 
Languages we’re not familiar with can be intimidating at first but there’s no need to be afraid. If you or your employees would like to learn a cupla focal, a good way to start is by labelling some of the items in your workplace or home with their Irish words using sticky notes.
 

• Phrases to amaze, remember to have fun with it!

 
Another way to get more confident with Irish words is by translating common phrases you’d say in work into Irish and using them instead. In Energia, we put Irish words and phrases on posters throughout our offices to help people get familiar with the language and try using it themselves. We also love to encourage employees to try out the vocabulary they’ve learned by offering free tea and coffee to people who use them in our canteen!
 

• Let your creativity shine with Energia

 
Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia is a great opportunity to get creative and have some fun with the Irish language. It should be the same for your business! We order in Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia donuts, run quizzes in Irish and then dance off the donuts with a ceilí.
 

• Caint agus ceol, Music to your ears

 
If your company would like to take part and join in the festivities there are lots of ways to take part. You could organise a local traditional Irish music band, a seanchaí or Irish dancers to visit your workplace and entertain for the day.
 

• Irish is all around us - Look and listen!

 
If you leave your premises during lunchbreak you could take a walk around the local area and learn the Irish names for them.
 

• Make a game of it & tackle it in your own way!

 
For your sports mad employees there’s always hurling and football to get involved in. You could try a spot of Irish games and award prizes!
 

• A winning combination - added interest!

 
Prizes and rewards are actually a great way to give staff and customers the incentive to have a go and get involved! Quizzes in Irish can be a fun way to reward people’s knowledge and encourage learning. Discounts and offers are also an excellent way to inspire customers and staff to take part!
 
#CuplaFocal - Celebrate and create!
 
Keep an eye on our Twitter feed for more helpful suggestions about how your business can join in for Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia and if you have creative ideas of your own don’t be shy! Send us the fun ways your business is celebrating Irish and Energia will give a prize to the best idea we see. We’re looking forward to seeing your Seachtain na Gaeilge le Energia spirit.
 
Most importantly of all - don’t be afraid to usaid na teanga and take part!
 
Go raibh maith agat!