MANX Heritage Foundation's language officer Adrian Cain said the focus of his work this year will continue to be towards adult language learners.

In the latest edition of the Manx Gaelic newsletter Gaelg Vio, he said he aims to work towards the following:

*The establishment of a day-time class with crèche facilities

*Continue support for Saturday language classes and weekend revision sessions

*Expand support for the Possan Aeglagh Youth Group

*Provide additional support material for adults studying the language

*Run classes for learners and speakers of Manx this summer

*Have more training sessions and improved support for adult teachers of Manx Gaelic

*Develop the Cowag blog into a professionally looking internet presence

*Support, wherever possible, the work of the Bunscoill Ghaelgagh and Department of Education Manx Gaelic Team

*Continue to maintain the visibility and public profile of the language

Mr Cain said: "The very nature of my work means that I have to work on a wide variety of different fronts; nevertheless, the focus of our work will continue to be towards adult language learners with the aim of establishing a professionally ran and administered adult language programme in the near future."

He added: "One of the lessons I learned from the Ned Maddrell Lecture (given at the Cooish 2010 by Rob Amery from the University of Adelaide on his work with Aboriginal Communities) was just how lucky we are in Mannin compared to many other minority linguistic communities throughout the world.

"It is very much up to all of us in the language community to remember this and work towards building a sustainable Manx speaking community in the Island; we're getting there, and I hope resources targeted at adult speakers will go some way to achieving this, but there is still some way to go.

"Comments and advice on this from teachers, learners and the enthusiastic are, as always, most welcome."