Teacher backs new way for students to learn Manx

A new project will teach school children the Manx language outside the classroom by using specialised audio recording equipment.

Sulby School wants to buy a U-Turn Round device for their playground to help students interact with the language in a unique way.

The U-Turn Round is a steel box which can be installed anywhere outdoors without mains power, but is instead powered by turning a handle.

Susie Brunswick, who is leading the project, explained the device is designed to encourage pupils to speak more of the language by recordings words and songs into it - and playing them back to themselves.

Brunswick, who was born on the island, secured part funding for the project from Culture Vannin, which is backing the project as part of the Year of the Manx Language 2026 celebrations.

She runs a "school action group" of 14 children at Sulby School, which has a focus on promoting Manx culture and heritage.

Together they decided to fundraise to buy the U-Turn Round, which will cost at least £1,400.

When the remaining money has been raised the children will get to decide what eight sounds they want to record onto the device.

"They will be a range of things," she said.

"It could be songs, tutorials of how to have a simple conversation in Manx, or just different vocabulary."

Ms Brunswick, who has taught at the school since 2022, said her children are "really receptive" to hearing and learning Manx.

"I find that they are more engaged when you give instructions in the language, rather than in English.

"They love learning new words and are really passionate about their language and culture."

In 2009, Manx Gaelic was declared "dead" by Unesco, a United Nations organisation which aims to promote and protect cultural heritage.

Since then the language has grown in popularity, and as of the 2021 census there are an estimated there are 2,200 Manx speakers on the island.

These include more than 1,000 children who are taught the language in school, with proposals to see that figure double by 2032.

"The death of Manx wasn't true at the time and I'm certain it isn't true now," said Ms Brunswick.

"I think it's so important for the Isle of Man's identity and self importance that we preserve our language and promote it to become a central part of our daily lives."

Ms Brunswick hopes the device will be installed by the end of the academic year.

Read more stories from the Isle of Man on the BBC, watch BBC North West Tonight on BBC iPlayer and follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X.