Culture Vannin officer to continue promoting Manx language

A new addition at Culture Vannin is set to continue the mission to promote the Manx language.

Ruth Keggin Gell takes up the position as Manx Language Development Officer at the organisation and will focus on promoting, supporting and facilitating the language in the community as well as help to deliver the Manx Language Strategy.

Ruth will initially work part-time before moving to full-time hours at the end of November.

The role is also known as Yn Greinneyder, or ‘the encourager or motivator’, and also involves working to develop and lead adult language courses, classes, conversation groups and projects, and promote Manx through social and traditional media.

On-island, Ruth is an active part of Manx language and music communities - she sings with the Manx Gaelic choir Caarjyn Cooidjagh and vocal ensemble Tallis Consort, and helps to support Yn Chruinnaght Inter-Celtic festival and the DESC Manx Folk Awards.

Speaking about taking up the post, Ruth says: "As someone who wholeheartedly believes in the value and importance of the Manx language, I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to become Yn Greinneyder.

"I am looking forward to working together with other groups and individuals who work hard to support and promote Manx, as well as collaborating with members of the team at Culture Vannin."