Key Difference – Celtic vs Gaelic
Celtic and Gaelic are two language groups predominantly used in North Western Europe. The Celtic language is a part of the Indo-European language family and is categorized into two main divisions: Gaelic and Brittonic. Therefore, the Gaelic language is a subdivision of Celtic, which is the key difference between Celtic and Gaelic.
What is Celtic Language?
Celtic languages are a division of the Indo-European language family. They can be further classified into two divisions: Gaelic and Brittonic languages. Gaelic consists of Scottish Gaelic and Irish, and Brittonic consists of Welsh and Breton. Modern Celtic languages are spoken today in North Western Europe, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, Brittany, and the Isle of Man. Celtic languages are mostly used today by minorities, and most of them are labeled as ‘endangered’ by UNESCO. Although there are many differences between individual Celtic languages, they also share some similarities such as VSO word order, the absence of infinitives, bifurcated demonstrative structure, etc.
What is Gaelic Language?
Gaelic is a division of Celtic languages and is also known as Goidelic. It consists of the Scottish Gaelic language and the Irish language. Manx, which is also a Gaelic language, died out in the 20th century. These languages have evolved from Middle Irish. There are some similarities in Irish and Scottish Gaelic to the extent that an Irish speaker may be able to understand some Scottish Gaelic.
Key Takeaways
- The Celtic language is a part of the Indo-European language family and is categorized into two main divisions: Gaelic and Brittonic.
- Modern Celtic languages are spoken today in North Western Europe, particularly in Ireland, Scotland, Cornwall, Wales, Brittany, and the Isle of Man.
- Gaelic is a division of Celtic languages and is also known as Goidelic. It consists of the Scottish Gaelic language and the Irish language.
