Speaking a second language is a terrifying experience. Comedian and sociologist, Áine Gallagher, shares stories about the fear and absolute humiliation she experienced in her journey to become an Irish speaker. Ultimately, she describes this as an empowering experience, but likes to focus on the horror!

Áine Gallagher specialises in delivering bilingual comedy, which aims to promote the Irish language and encourage people to speak their native tongue. Her mantra states that we all make mistakes and she uses her deadpan style to demonstrate that this is an essential aspect of the learning process. So forget about your apprehensions and throw yourself in. Áine continues to share her message with a multi-national stage, having performed at major international festivals including the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Kilkenny Cat Laughs and Vodafone Comedy Festival.

With a masters in Health Promotion, Áine Gallagher also works in community engagement at NUI Galway. She is the coordinator of Bright Club Ireland, a national initiative which trains academics to perform comedy and discuss their research in an accessible and humorous way with the public. Áine is paving the way for how comedy and education can overlap, focusing on her areas of passion; social inclusion and promotion of the Irish language. This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx