Getting to know...the Irish language

Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú? That’s ‘how are you?’ in Irish. We don’t have the space to explore pronunciation here, but if you want to learn something uniquely Irish during your stay here, a few phrases ‘as Gaeilge’ (‘in Irish’) might be just the thing. Many readers will not even be aware that an Irish language exists, yet it was spoken by the majority up until about 200 years’ ago.

Nowadays of course, English is the everyday language Ireland, and famous literary figures such as James Joyce and Oscar Wilde sealed our reputation for English-speaking in the eyes of the world. Most people you come across will know a few Irish words and phrases, as it is a compulsory subject in our school system. And in a few isolated areas, called ‘Gaeltachts’, it is still the predominant language. Irish has undergone a bit of a renaissance in recent years with its own TV station – TG4, and more people, the young in particular, proud to use it. So you are sure to impress if you can manage a few words! So let’s get you started:

Pedrito is ainm dom – Pedrito is my name
Tagann mé ó an Fhrainc/an Ghearmáin/an tSín – I come from France/Germany/China
Tá brón orm. Ní rinne mé mo obair bhaile – I’m sorry. I didn’t do my homework.

Interesting links:
www.gaeilge.ie
www.tg4.ie