Here's why:
* Evolution: The writing system for Gaelic (which includes Scottish Gaelic, Irish Gaelic, and Manx Gaelic) has changed over time. It wasn't a static thing.
* No Standard: There was no official, standardized script for Gaelic until relatively recently. Different scribes used different variations and forms.
* Latin Alphabet: Gaelic always used the Latin alphabet, but the specific letter forms and their pronunciation varied.
To write "old" Gaelic, you have a few options:
1. Study Historical Scripts:
* Early Inscriptions: Look at inscriptions from the early medieval period (5th-12th centuries). These might use older forms of letters, ligatures (joined letters), and abbreviations.
* Medieval Manuscripts: Examine manuscripts from the later Middle Ages (12th-15th centuries). These will show more developed forms of Gaelic script, but still different from modern ones.
* Remember: You'll need to understand the language, as spelling and pronunciation could be vastly different.
2. Modern Gaelic with "Old" Flavour:
* Modern Gaelic Script: Use the current Scottish Gaelic script, but incorporate elements of older forms. For example, you could use:
* Older letter forms: You might find some older letter forms in dictionaries or online resources.
* Ligatures: Experiment with combining letters for stylistic effect.
* Unusual Capitalisation: Old Gaelic often had different rules for capitalization.
* Be Creative: This method allows for more flexibility, but remember to remain accurate to the language itself.
Where to Start:
* Old Gaelic Dictionaries: Look for resources specifically focused on older Gaelic forms.
* Online Resources: There are websites and databases with examples of historical Gaelic scripts.
* Manuscripts: If you have access to libraries with historical collections, you can examine actual medieval manuscripts.
Remember: This is a complex subject, and it's best to approach it with a good understanding of both historical Gaelic and modern Gaelic.
Let me know if you have any more questions, or if you'd like me to recommend some specific resources!