Blair asks the Foreign Office to translate (Scottish) Gaelic letters

**Aberdonian Stu** · 20/03/2006, 7:42 PM

I'm a fluent Irish speaker gonzo however I am willing to admit that Donegal Irish sounds nothing like it reads. That was the point both the Mulleted one and I were making.

**micls** · 20/03/2006, 9:44 PM

Originally Posted by anto eile

thats one long post dcfcsteve, but as a fluent irish speaker i agree totally

Il join you there.

Could anyone without actual facts refrain from posting bull so other people wont read it and believe it...thanks

**Plastic man** · 21/03/2006, 2:53 PM

Would I be correct in thinking that say pre English Settlement that the various ancient tribes in Ireland would of spoke slightly different languages from each other?

Is Modern Irish an invention mixing the various know at the time Irish languages together?

**Dr.Nightdub** · 21/03/2006, 9:33 PM

I remember being told either in school or in the Gaeltacht that there's "caighde�n" Irish, which is closely based on the Munster dialect - this caighde�n is the one we're all taught in school. Why it should have got the nod, I dunno (perhaps based on numbers speaking it), but it's quite different from the Connacht or Donegal dialects.

**Aberdonian Stu** · 21/03/2006, 9:50 PM

The caighde�n oifigi�il or official standard is based on the three primary dialects of the Irish language.

**Dr.Nightdub** · 21/03/2006, 10:45 PM

OK, not being smart here, but which of these is caighde�n for "How are you?"

1. Conas at� t�? (Munster)
2. C�' chaoi bhfuil t�? (Connacht)
3. Cad � mar at� t�? (Ulster)

I could have the origins of 2 and 3 mixed up but either way, my guess is that number 1 is the "official" version. Be interested to hear from Galway, Sligo, Harps and Derry fans which version(s) they most recognise?

**Aberdonian Stu** · 21/03/2006, 10:53 PM

Well from my understanding of caighde�n both 1 and C�n chaoi a bhfuil t� are classic examples. Furthermore to the best of my knowledge the meaning of 3 is perfectly accurate according to caighde�n only it is considered a less used version.

The Irish I speak is a blend of Connacht and Mumhan. One thing is certain: No region has a monopoly on complaining about how the caighde�n oifigi�il is so different to what they are used to. Munster folk complain as much as Connacht folk who complain as much as Ulster folk

**pineapple stu** · 22/03/2006, 12:47 PM

Wasn't there a simplification of lots of Irish spelling about 100 years ago or something? Remember being in a pub in Tipp and seeing a list of All-Ireland winners on a poster on the wall - spent ages working out who "An L�ghbhadh" were, only to find out it was Louth (An L�). Also my name is often seen spelt Caoimhgh�n (I think - however that Sinner spells it), whereas I'd spell it Caoimh�n. What's the story with that?

(Edit - wayyyy off topic now, I know, but Irish is something which interests me anyway...)

**Poor Student** · 22/03/2006, 12:54 PM

Originally Posted by Plastic man

Would I be correct in thinking that say pre English Settlement that the various ancient tribes in Ireland would of spoke slightly different languages from each other?

Is Modern Irish an invention mixing the various know at the time Irish languages together?

Pretty much, but then again all official languages are a standarised version of a variety of dialects.