How to Speak Irish Gaelic
Irish Gaelic refers to the Celtic (KEL-tik) language spoken in Ireland. There are other branches of Gaelic: After Irish, Scottish Celtic is the next most prominent dialect. Modern Irish Gaelic derives from an ancient language that went in and out of popular usage during turbulent times. These troubles were often the result of the Anglicization of Ireland militarily or culturally. What ultimately became Modern Irish Gaelic resulted from a resurgence of Irish usage after the end of the 19th century.
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Things You'll Need
- Chart of Irish Gaelic alphabet
- Chart of Irish Gaelic pronunciation in Roman alphabet
- Chart of Irish Gaelic transliteration in English
- Chart of English words that have Irish Gaelic roots
- Irish Gaelic language-learning CD
Instructions
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First you need to know the basics of Irish Gaelic. There are 18 letters, consisting of five vowels and thirteen consonants. The vowels are a, e, i, o and u (like English). The consonants, in Roman letters, are b, c, d, f, g, l, m, n, p, r, s, t. For speaking and educational purposes, Irish Gaelic often uses the Roman alphabet. But ultimately you will learn to recognize and feel comfortable with the Irish Gaelic alphabet. Its typography often has a classic and even medieval look to it because of its calligraphic characteristics.
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CD-ROMs that teach Irish are available from a host of providers on the Internet, for example, Learnirishgaelic.com. The second step after becoming acquainted with the Irish alphabet in Roman and Gaelic, is to start pronouncing Gaelic words. You do not have to know or understand any of the words to pronounce them. Pronunciation is an excellent preliminary exercise to get used to a new alphabet and a new rhythm of speaking. Irish Gaelic certainly departs from English in its many diphthongs--éo, ái, eoi, ui, uai, among many others.
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After you have an idea of how to pronounce Gaelic, use a chart or pronunciation guide to sound out entire words. Say the words several times out loud. Repeating the Irish Gaelic can help you in a few specific ways: First, it can get you used to how Irish sounds. Second, it can help you hear the similarities Irish may have with English. When you notice similarities, you'll be able to remember words better. The English words banshee, bard, bog, galore, pet, plaid, shanty, smithereens, twig and whiskey all come from Irish Gaelic.
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Next, write the Gaelic words you have learned. Copy them straight from the lesson book, repeating them as you write them. Irish Gaelic will come to you more easily if you first focus on those words that have doubles in English.
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Form a picture in your mind as you pronounce and write the words. A shamrock is an excellent and easy example of how this technique can stimulate your memory of Irish words in English, and how this technique can allow you to conjure an image of the Gaelic word.
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Now, with your list of newly learned, pronounced and transcribed Irish Gaelic words beside you, translate each one back into English.
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You are ready to start learning phrases. Irish Gaelic has no lack of witticisms and short proverbs. Here's one to start you off: "Is fearr lán doirn de cheird ná lán mála d'ór." According to Islandireland.com, it means, "A handful of skill is better than a bagful of gold."
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