As a linguistic and cultural expert, I specialize in the study of languages and their historical development. With a keen interest in the Celtic languages and their speakers, I am well-versed in the intricacies that define these ancient tongues and the people who speak them.

The question at hand is whether Scottish and Irish are Celtic. To answer this, we must first understand what it means to be 'Celtic.' The term 'Celtic' refers to a group of languages that belong to the Indo-European language family. These languages are traditionally spoken by people who identify as Celts, an ethno-linguistic group that has inhabited parts of Europe, particularly the British Isles, for centuries.

Scottish Gaelic is indeed a Celtic language. It is a Goidelic language, which is one of the two branches of the Celtic languages, the other being the Brythonic branch. Scottish Gaelic, or Gàidhlig, is closely related to Irish, which is also a Goidelic language. The similarities between the two languages are significant, indicating a shared linguistic heritage.

The origins of Scottish Gaelic can be traced back to Old Irish. It was initially spoken by the Gaels of Dál Riata, a region that straddled what is now the west coast of Scotland and the north-east of Ireland. The language also had a presence in the Rhinns of Galloway, another region in the south-west of Scotland. Over time, Scottish Gaelic spread and was adopted by the Pictish people, who inhabited central and eastern Scotland. This adoption led to a blending of linguistic and cultural elements, which enriched the development of Scottish Gaelic.

The influence of Old Irish on Scottish Gaelic is evident in several aspects of the language. For instance, the grammar and syntax of Scottish Gaelic have been heavily influenced by Old Irish. Additionally, a significant number of vocabulary items in Scottish Gaelic have their roots in Old Irish, demonstrating the linguistic connection between the two.

The adoption of Scottish Gaelic by the Pictish people is an interesting aspect of its history. The Picts were a group of people who lived in what is now eastern and central Scotland. While their exact origins and language are subjects of debate among historians and linguists, it is clear that they played a crucial role in the development of the region's linguistic landscape. The Picts are believed to have spoken a non-Celtic language, possibly a P-Celtic language related to Brittonic languages like Welsh or Breton. However, with the expansion of the Gaelic-speaking kingdom of Dál Riata and the subsequent unification of the Picts and Gaels under the Kingdom of Alba, Scottish Gaelic became the dominant language.

The relationship between Scottish Gaelic and Irish is not just linguistic; it also has cultural and historical dimensions. The two languages have been vehicles for the transmission of Celtic culture, literature, and traditions. They have both been used to express the unique identity and heritage of their respective communities.

In conclusion, Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language with strong ties to Irish. Its origins, linguistic features, and historical development all point to its Celtic nature. The influence of Old Irish on Scottish Gaelic is undeniable, and the adoption of the language by the Pictish people further enriched its development. The similarities between Scottish Gaelic and Irish are a testament to their shared linguistic and cultural heritage.

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Scottish Gaelic is a Celtic language with similarities to Irish. Scottish Gaelic comes from Old Irish. It was originally spoken by the Gaels of D--l Riata and the Rhinns of Galloway, later being adopted by the Pictish people of central and eastern Scotland.read more >>