For me, learning Irish has often felt as futile as chasing the wind. I’ll make a start, run and run, only to admit defeat weeks later. There are many courses and resources which help start you off, but one of the key gaps has always been the ‘so what’, the reasoning and context, or in technical terms the etymology behind what I’m learning.
Language is at the very heart of what we know about history; it’s the looking glass through which we see the refracted reality. It is both history itself as well as the way we perceive history. Therefore, it makes sense for any serious historian or researcher to try and understand the function and form of this prism.
To that end, this page includes a series of posts about key introductory topics on Irish language. Each cover a simple set of phrases, they usage, alongside the historical context they derive from in ancient Ireland.
- Four Seasons in a Day – Chatting About the Weather in Irish
In Ireland, weather is more than just a topic of conversation—it’s a way of life. The country’s ever-changing conditions often result in experiencing “four seasons in one day,” making weather discussions a vital part of Irish culture. For beginners learning Irish, mastering weather-related vocabulary not only enhances your conversational skills but also deepens your connection… Read more: Four Seasons in a Day – Chatting About the Weather in Irish - Who’s in Your Clan? Talking About Family in Irish
There are few institutions more enduring than family. Moral judgment aside, family as a structure of society is something we can all relate to for better or worse. This is perhaps only more true of the Irish than other cultures and certainly an important place to turn to next. Learning to describe your family in… Read more: Who’s in Your Clan? Talking About Family in Irish - Céad Míle Fáilte – A Thousand Welcomes in Irish
The Irish language, or Gaeilge, is much more than just a way of communicating—it’s a vital link to Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. As someone who has studied Irish history and culture, I’ve long admired its poetic rhythms and historical significance. It has shaped and reflects much of Irish history itself. But despite three earlier attempts,… Read more: Céad Míle Fáilte – A Thousand Welcomes in Irish
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