Blair Collection > Elements of Gaelic grammar

INTRODUCTION. XI
only through the medium of the Enghsh language.
Hence an acquaintance with the English is found
to be necessary, for enabling him to gratify his
desire after further attainments. The study of
it becomes of course an object of importance ; it
is commenced, and prosecuted with increasing di-
ligence. These premises seem to warrant a con-
clusion, which might at first appe u' paradoxical ;
that, by cultivating the Gaelic, you effectually,
though indirectly, promote the study and difflise
the knowledge of the English.
To public teachers it is of the highest moment,
that the medium through which their instructions
are communicated be properly adapted to that use,
and that they be enabled to avail themselves of it
in the fittest manner. A language destitute of
grammatical regularity can possess neither perspi-
cuity nor precision, and must therefore be very
inadequate to the purpose of conveying one's
thoughts. The Gaelic is in manifest danger of
falling into this discreditable condition, from the
disuse of old idioms and distinctions, and the ad-
mission of modern corruptions, unless means be
applied to prevent its degenerating. It is obvious
that a speaker cannot express himself with preci-
sion, without a correct knowledge ot grammar.
When he is conscious of his ignorance in this re-
spect, he must dehver himself sometimes ambigu-
ously or erroneously, always with diffidence and
hesitation j whereas one, who has an accurate
knowledge