The Alphabet and a Bit of History
<ahref="http://www.omniglot.com/writing/irish.htm">http://www.omniglot.com/writing/irish.htm
Monday, December 6, 2010
Friday, October 22, 2010
Fluid Speaking
Listening to Irish Being Spoken
Listen to how Irish is spoken and pronounced in the following videos from
You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlJxahSMJaE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wwjgQuiy9k&feature=related
Do not worry about the memorization for now. If you feel like jotting down notes or copying the words, go ahead.
Right now, just listen and repeat the words.
Get used to the sounds and then work in writing them down first.
I want you to get familiarized with this for now, and so later, when we do work on
learning concepts and memorizing the elements we need, you will have a better understanding.
You will also find out ways that the language is structured in order to be able to read and write in it for the future.
Enjoy listening to the sounds.
Here's a gal who is talking about her Irish heritage in American English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVA1T7uCUno&feature=related
Listen to how Irish is spoken and pronounced in the following videos from
You Tube.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IlJxahSMJaE&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wwjgQuiy9k&feature=related
Do not worry about the memorization for now. If you feel like jotting down notes or copying the words, go ahead.
Right now, just listen and repeat the words.
Get used to the sounds and then work in writing them down first.
I want you to get familiarized with this for now, and so later, when we do work on
learning concepts and memorizing the elements we need, you will have a better understanding.
You will also find out ways that the language is structured in order to be able to read and write in it for the future.
Enjoy listening to the sounds.
Here's a gal who is talking about her Irish heritage in American English.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HVA1T7uCUno&feature=related
What Irish Sounds Like --- Discussions
Ladies explaining the Irish Pronunciation
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIp4aeCHU9s&feature=related
Irish Dialects (informative)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMvSc3FsXGQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akA10c8V3no&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pIp4aeCHU9s&feature=related
Irish Dialects (informative)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMvSc3FsXGQ&feature=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akA10c8V3no&feature=related
Monday, October 18, 2010
Colors
A creative exercise:
Look up the words for colours mentioned in this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUCVBhAgfdE
In Irish, of course. :)
The words that are not exactly colors, you can skip, of course, unless you
want to look them up. ;)
Let's compare notes, next time.
You can use anything that we have previously covered here on this learning blog.
It can be a translator or site with a glossary, or the like.
You can also phone a friend.
Best of Luck!
:)
Look up the words for colours mentioned in this song.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FUCVBhAgfdE
In Irish, of course. :)
The words that are not exactly colors, you can skip, of course, unless you
want to look them up. ;)
Let's compare notes, next time.
You can use anything that we have previously covered here on this learning blog.
It can be a translator or site with a glossary, or the like.
You can also phone a friend.
Best of Luck!
:)
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Increase your Word Power
Word Power! (A gift or talent of the Irish)
If anyone recalls reading "The Reader's Digest," you will remember a page called, "Increase Your Word Power." I believe that's what the title was. I found the magazine by chance as a child, and then my family had been ordering it. I read that section excitedly, because the knowledge of words in English were new and fascinating at the time. I would read and study those words, although they appeared very difficult to me as a youngster.
As immigrants to the USA, we were all cognizant that we were not actively using the English (British) that we knew. Furthermore, we were being corrected all the time, not only in spelling, but in the way we would pronounce and even write.
American English seemed like such a brand new animal! :) How many of you can remember that exact feeling, or remember stories from your forebears?
Similarly, as we approach Irish, we can begin to increase our word power. I have to recommend this site that I located recently. Take a look and choose categories that draw you the most. Unlike "word power," these categories afford you a choice as to what you will study first.
http://www.byki.com/category/Irish/a/
Words are like little beads to me. (Even letters within words) :)
Every word bears nuances of our past and has a history or origin. Words are like little poems and images of things that bring light before our eyes, not to mention understanding. People who don't have word power are people who are blind to the beauty and power of language and communication. They cannot empathize or understand another. This is a sad thing, and we must counter it eventually.
These are the people that we often find ourselves in conflict with, or people who cannot stand up to foreign invasions and dictators. Simply because there are no words or dialogue with which to communicate! This is a frightening thing, but it must be addressed. Instead of turning to war, we must use the missing link that we all have as cultures: expression & communication. Of course, we must move slowly, and we will stumble, but we must move forward on in freedom and not live under a subjugated demise.
We need to have enough of a lexicon to actually do something with words in languages we need to learn.
Have you ever tried to string beads with a young child or with young children? They find the activity so fascinating that they will sit there for hours. Once the initial threading and finding of materials is done for them.. :)
Learning new words is like that. We put words together all the time to make sentences. We assign meanings to them. We visualise images or associate imageries to them.
How can we not be fascinated?
Learning Irish reminds me of when everything was new in English. I remember immigrants with bright & shining faces teaching me to say "hi." Communication was our first welcome - wagon.
I look at an Irish word like it is a tiny bead that I haven't yet connected to a larger whole. Although, I don't have my necklace or bracelet yet, I feel as if I have more tools.
If we are to be word smiths, it is important to start developing a list of words with which to proceed. If you look at it this way, your strategy will change, and this whole task less intimidating.
Beading is taxing work and teaches patience. It teaches the child to be patient, really finger the items, gain a true grasp of it, and then contemplate on where it goes, and how it holds together. It is also wonderful exercise to improve their dexterity. I would recommend beading with kids who are old enough to do the work. (Younger ones will either lose the beads or stub their fingers. :( )
Look at the wonder on their faces as they are creating something for the first time.
Then look at the satisfaction they experience as they present their handiwork.
This parallel may seem silly at first to you, but really the accumulation of words may seem tedious at first. Using them and working with them, though, will eventually be entrancing enough for you to continue.
Wax nostaligic today as you pursue your study of IRISH!
Word power will increase your knowledge and ability to focus and actively use the language today!
Only then, can we truly be victorious as a people everywhere.
If anyone recalls reading "The Reader's Digest," you will remember a page called, "Increase Your Word Power." I believe that's what the title was. I found the magazine by chance as a child, and then my family had been ordering it. I read that section excitedly, because the knowledge of words in English were new and fascinating at the time. I would read and study those words, although they appeared very difficult to me as a youngster.
As immigrants to the USA, we were all cognizant that we were not actively using the English (British) that we knew. Furthermore, we were being corrected all the time, not only in spelling, but in the way we would pronounce and even write.
American English seemed like such a brand new animal! :) How many of you can remember that exact feeling, or remember stories from your forebears?
Similarly, as we approach Irish, we can begin to increase our word power. I have to recommend this site that I located recently. Take a look and choose categories that draw you the most. Unlike "word power," these categories afford you a choice as to what you will study first.
http://www.byki.com/category/Irish/a/
Words are like little beads to me. (Even letters within words) :)
Every word bears nuances of our past and has a history or origin. Words are like little poems and images of things that bring light before our eyes, not to mention understanding. People who don't have word power are people who are blind to the beauty and power of language and communication. They cannot empathize or understand another. This is a sad thing, and we must counter it eventually.
These are the people that we often find ourselves in conflict with, or people who cannot stand up to foreign invasions and dictators. Simply because there are no words or dialogue with which to communicate! This is a frightening thing, but it must be addressed. Instead of turning to war, we must use the missing link that we all have as cultures: expression & communication. Of course, we must move slowly, and we will stumble, but we must move forward on in freedom and not live under a subjugated demise.
We need to have enough of a lexicon to actually do something with words in languages we need to learn.
Have you ever tried to string beads with a young child or with young children? They find the activity so fascinating that they will sit there for hours. Once the initial threading and finding of materials is done for them.. :)
Learning new words is like that. We put words together all the time to make sentences. We assign meanings to them. We visualise images or associate imageries to them.
How can we not be fascinated?
Learning Irish reminds me of when everything was new in English. I remember immigrants with bright & shining faces teaching me to say "hi." Communication was our first welcome - wagon.
I look at an Irish word like it is a tiny bead that I haven't yet connected to a larger whole. Although, I don't have my necklace or bracelet yet, I feel as if I have more tools.
If we are to be word smiths, it is important to start developing a list of words with which to proceed. If you look at it this way, your strategy will change, and this whole task less intimidating.
Beading is taxing work and teaches patience. It teaches the child to be patient, really finger the items, gain a true grasp of it, and then contemplate on where it goes, and how it holds together. It is also wonderful exercise to improve their dexterity. I would recommend beading with kids who are old enough to do the work. (Younger ones will either lose the beads or stub their fingers. :( )
Look at the wonder on their faces as they are creating something for the first time.
Then look at the satisfaction they experience as they present their handiwork.
This parallel may seem silly at first to you, but really the accumulation of words may seem tedious at first. Using them and working with them, though, will eventually be entrancing enough for you to continue.
Wax nostaligic today as you pursue your study of IRISH!
Word power will increase your knowledge and ability to focus and actively use the language today!
Only then, can we truly be victorious as a people everywhere.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Friday, September 10, 2010
House & Home
A Few To Get Started:
Dia Dhuit!
If you enjoyed the photo in the last entry, I am elated. I hope you were able to review the word, "garda." If you are curious about the word "swan," that is good. Reading or viewing while reading should stir in you a desire to know more of the language in your studies.
The word for "swan" is eala.
I selected just a random selection of words we use at the home site.
Word: focal
Words: focail
desk: deasc
office: oifig
kitchen: cistin
food: bia
milk: bainne
water: uisce
dog: madra
cat: cat
We are no where near the 100 words you need to know generally when you learn a new language, but what you can do is attain a familiarity of these words and be able to recognize them each time you come across them. That will reinforce what you have already learned.
Reading does wonders for reinforcing a word. Try to read with your eyes and gain a familiarity with your new words.
I saw an activity that some kids in a school did with their new words.
They created a blank book and saved pages for words that started with every letter of the alphabet. Every time, they came across a new word, they wrote it into their book. Later, when they had more time, they would study the word, write it again for practice, or research its meaning if it hadn't been supplied already.
If you find your own method of retaining your new words and practicing them, don't hesitate to employ that method. I list my words, but I feel I should digest them a bit more, and so I try to use my new word in a sentence, no matter if the rest of the words are in English. This helps me visualize my new word in context.
For example:
(review for "coffee" and "tea" ), cupan: cup
They gave me a cup of caife.
They gave me a cup of tae.
They gave me a cupan of caife and tae.
It's fun to play around with the words at first.
Later, you will find out if you were incorrect in your use or grammar.
Right now, just have fun visualising* the words and trying to pronounce them. You won't be cheating if you find a guide to pronounce them.
We will cover pronouncing words soon, but right now, get your eyes used to Irish.
It is a unique language, and it may not make sense if you don't get the gist for what it looks like first.
This is the same feeling I had when I tried to learn French by listening first. The spellings were not provided, nor any words provided for me to follow along, so that slowed me down considerably. If you are of Irish descent and are around the Irish language daily through contact or are in areas where Irish is in print around you, you may already be a step ahead of us. Use your advantage wisely and learn as much as you can.
Most of us may not have the means to acquire Irish as readily in the states or elsewhere.
Students who love listening and learning can listen to the sounds of language in music or pages I gave you earlier where the words are spoken as well. The pages with translator provides the sounds each time you translate a word. I think Rosetta Stone also provides CDs with photos, sounds, and words. (Munster dialect)
Practice your new words every day!
~ Ms. A.
*Sometimes, I alternate the spellings of words that utilize letters such as "s" or "z." This is to show the variation of spellings around the world. Americans prefer using the "z" while Europeans and some Asians prefer the "s."
Examples: visualise, visualize
This is a common practice of people who interact with different users of English around the world.
Dia Dhuit!
If you enjoyed the photo in the last entry, I am elated. I hope you were able to review the word, "garda." If you are curious about the word "swan," that is good. Reading or viewing while reading should stir in you a desire to know more of the language in your studies.
The word for "swan" is eala.
I selected just a random selection of words we use at the home site.
Word: focal
Words: focail
desk: deasc
office: oifig
kitchen: cistin
food: bia
milk: bainne
water: uisce
dog: madra
cat: cat
We are no where near the 100 words you need to know generally when you learn a new language, but what you can do is attain a familiarity of these words and be able to recognize them each time you come across them. That will reinforce what you have already learned.
Reading does wonders for reinforcing a word. Try to read with your eyes and gain a familiarity with your new words.
I saw an activity that some kids in a school did with their new words.
They created a blank book and saved pages for words that started with every letter of the alphabet. Every time, they came across a new word, they wrote it into their book. Later, when they had more time, they would study the word, write it again for practice, or research its meaning if it hadn't been supplied already.
If you find your own method of retaining your new words and practicing them, don't hesitate to employ that method. I list my words, but I feel I should digest them a bit more, and so I try to use my new word in a sentence, no matter if the rest of the words are in English. This helps me visualize my new word in context.
For example:
(review for "coffee" and "tea" ), cupan: cup
They gave me a cup of caife.
They gave me a cup of tae.
They gave me a cupan of caife and tae.
It's fun to play around with the words at first.
Later, you will find out if you were incorrect in your use or grammar.
Right now, just have fun visualising* the words and trying to pronounce them. You won't be cheating if you find a guide to pronounce them.
We will cover pronouncing words soon, but right now, get your eyes used to Irish.
It is a unique language, and it may not make sense if you don't get the gist for what it looks like first.
This is the same feeling I had when I tried to learn French by listening first. The spellings were not provided, nor any words provided for me to follow along, so that slowed me down considerably. If you are of Irish descent and are around the Irish language daily through contact or are in areas where Irish is in print around you, you may already be a step ahead of us. Use your advantage wisely and learn as much as you can.
Most of us may not have the means to acquire Irish as readily in the states or elsewhere.
Students who love listening and learning can listen to the sounds of language in music or pages I gave you earlier where the words are spoken as well. The pages with translator provides the sounds each time you translate a word. I think Rosetta Stone also provides CDs with photos, sounds, and words. (Munster dialect)
Practice your new words every day!
~ Ms. A.
*Sometimes, I alternate the spellings of words that utilize letters such as "s" or "z." This is to show the variation of spellings around the world. Americans prefer using the "z" while Europeans and some Asians prefer the "s."
Examples: visualise, visualize
This is a common practice of people who interact with different users of English around the world.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Recognize this Word?
http://www.munster-express.ie/files/2010/09/RoadSwan.jpg
This is a wonderful way to reinforce the learning of Irish.
Be on the lookout for other famous Irish words around you.
This one, I found on a twitter & facebook page.
This is a wonderful way to reinforce the learning of Irish.
Be on the lookout for other famous Irish words around you.
This one, I found on a twitter & facebook page.
Monday, September 6, 2010
The Suspense
Some people learning Irish are faced by the daunting task of pronouncing the words without any inkling of the language or any tools available. The suspense of what the words and phrases in the language sound like takes precedence. I was one of these people when I started trying to learn French.
For these people, I recommend About.com phonograph pages or this one here.
http://www.forvo.com/languages/ga/
I was researching Scottish Gaelic to talk to a Scottish acquaintaince on Twitter when I came across this page.
Please subscribe to the Irish page, if you wish.
Those of you who want to move slowly and study categories and attain more of a visual
and recognition base for Irish, please continue on here.
I have a penchant for certain categories that include the home, the kitchen, or even work - related objects.
If you do not wish to follow these categories, create your own and work on them.
In the following days, we will work on learning words that have personal significance to us in Ireland and abroad.
To my USA readers, hope you had a wonderful holiday.
:)
For these people, I recommend About.com phonograph pages or this one here.
http://www.forvo.com/languages/ga/
I was researching Scottish Gaelic to talk to a Scottish acquaintaince on Twitter when I came across this page.
Please subscribe to the Irish page, if you wish.
Those of you who want to move slowly and study categories and attain more of a visual
and recognition base for Irish, please continue on here.
I have a penchant for certain categories that include the home, the kitchen, or even work - related objects.
If you do not wish to follow these categories, create your own and work on them.
In the following days, we will work on learning words that have personal significance to us in Ireland and abroad.
To my USA readers, hope you had a wonderful holiday.
:)
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Language Classes in Irish Starting
Celtic Cafe, a newsgroup community, received this announcement at this past end of August.
If you are interested in joining in or following classes, you can investigate the link provided.
A
chara,
We’d like to invite you to join our free, on-line Irish
Language classes in Scoil Chumann Carad na Gaeilge / The Philo-Celtic
Society School at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/philo-celticsociety/ .
The new semester begins September 1, 2010.
For more
information about Cumann Carad na Gaeilge / The Philo-Celtic Society, please
visit http://www.philo-celtic.com .
Le gach
dea-ghuí / Best
Gearóid Ó
Ceallaigh / Jerry
Kelly
If you are interested in joining in or following classes, you can investigate the link provided.
A
chara,
We’d like to invite you to join our free, on-line Irish
Language classes in Scoil Chumann Carad na Gaeilge / The Philo-Celtic
Society School at
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/philo-celticsociety/ .
The new semester begins September 1, 2010.
For more
information about Cumann Carad na Gaeilge / The Philo-Celtic Society, please
visit http://www.philo-celtic.com .
Le gach
dea-ghuí / Best
Gearóid Ó
Ceallaigh / Jerry
Kelly
Tuesday, August 24, 2010
Congratulations To Miss Ireland 2010
If any of the readers here were watching the Miss Universe Pageant, you saw Miss Ireland advance to the finals. How exciting that was to see!
There are some videos and features about her on the net and on You Tube.
I hope you will take the time to view them.
She was a strong contender, and I will look forward to see her participate in other forums in the days to come.
Below is a link to some of the activities that went on last evening.
http://getlatestnews.com/9600/miss-universe-2010-top-15-contestants-list-photos-and-youtube-video/
Although she was not the final winner, her supporters were happy to see her make it this far!
Congratulations to Ms. Rozanna Purcell.
~ Fans of Irish/Ireland!
There are some videos and features about her on the net and on You Tube.
I hope you will take the time to view them.
She was a strong contender, and I will look forward to see her participate in other forums in the days to come.
Below is a link to some of the activities that went on last evening.
http://getlatestnews.com/9600/miss-universe-2010-top-15-contestants-list-photos-and-youtube-video/
Although she was not the final winner, her supporters were happy to see her make it this far!
Congratulations to Ms. Rozanna Purcell.
~ Fans of Irish/Ireland!
Monday, August 9, 2010
A Passion for Language and Connection
The Irish are everywhere as evidenced by a network of blogs at this site.
They have a wonderful gift for words and communication in English as well.
Who hasn't been enchanted by the Irish voice, inflection, accents, and their evident flair for language and communication? If I hadn't been more of a Francophile and Anglophile in the past, I would have researched them much earlier.
The Irish in history and tradition have so many wonderful things to offer. True, they are especially known for St. Pat's day and limericks and such, but why settle for what everybody knows? The Irish have a spectacular array of accolades that the uninitiated can discover.
If you would like to visit bloggers' pages or even odd sites on the net, here is
a chance.
www.irishblogdirectory.com
You won't be disappointed.
For example, here is one with images from Galway.
Yes, even a photo at times (from the Irish) is synonymous to a thousand words.
http://galwaybay-theresadaly.blogspot.com
Select your own blogs or sites to follow.
This will inspire you to study Irish more and more each day.
Your unofficial tutor in Irish,
Miss A!
They have a wonderful gift for words and communication in English as well.
Who hasn't been enchanted by the Irish voice, inflection, accents, and their evident flair for language and communication? If I hadn't been more of a Francophile and Anglophile in the past, I would have researched them much earlier.
The Irish in history and tradition have so many wonderful things to offer. True, they are especially known for St. Pat's day and limericks and such, but why settle for what everybody knows? The Irish have a spectacular array of accolades that the uninitiated can discover.
If you would like to visit bloggers' pages or even odd sites on the net, here is
a chance.
www.irishblogdirectory.com
You won't be disappointed.
For example, here is one with images from Galway.
Yes, even a photo at times (from the Irish) is synonymous to a thousand words.
http://galwaybay-theresadaly.blogspot.com
Select your own blogs or sites to follow.
This will inspire you to study Irish more and more each day.
Your unofficial tutor in Irish,
Miss A!
Friday, July 30, 2010
Irish Word for Today
From time to time, I will list a new word to learn.
Please practice visualising this word. Write it in a log or journal.
Learn to spell it.
cathaoir: chair
The other day I was looking at notes from a class in the English Use of Latin. It was being taught by a new intern in the Department of Classical Studies. I found out later that she was married to a history professor.
The word "cathedral" was listed as one of the words with an English and Latin connection.
The root meaning was something like "from the chair" or "of the chair."
Linguistically, many words from various languages can be traced as having a common history. This is one of the words that I have been finding everywhere, most recently.
I had known a form of this word as a child as I traveled abroad.
The word taught to me for chair was:
"Casera" or "khazhera" (Cathera) or Casa Ra
Casa de Rills, another alternative relative.. Cathadrill..etc..
We have this house name in our land, although the people are not considered Irish or Spanish, or English, nor ever have been.
It is interesting to note connections, and to know that Irish may have traveled the world over before it disappeared in some parts.
Irish may still live.
Please practice visualising this word. Write it in a log or journal.
Learn to spell it.
cathaoir: chair
The other day I was looking at notes from a class in the English Use of Latin. It was being taught by a new intern in the Department of Classical Studies. I found out later that she was married to a history professor.
The word "cathedral" was listed as one of the words with an English and Latin connection.
The root meaning was something like "from the chair" or "of the chair."
Linguistically, many words from various languages can be traced as having a common history. This is one of the words that I have been finding everywhere, most recently.
I had known a form of this word as a child as I traveled abroad.
The word taught to me for chair was:
"Casera" or "khazhera" (Cathera) or Casa Ra
Casa de Rills, another alternative relative.. Cathadrill..etc..
We have this house name in our land, although the people are not considered Irish or Spanish, or English, nor ever have been.
It is interesting to note connections, and to know that Irish may have traveled the world over before it disappeared in some parts.
Irish may still live.
Monday, July 12, 2010
Language Learning Using Media
Dia Duit.
Did anyone get a chance to attend the Festival this past week? I hope so.
The Irish are notorious for celebrating their culture and love sharing it with others. I hope you did network and find great people and even materials to connect you to a passion for Ireland here and abroad.
Since this blog is an experiential blog as well as an instructional one, I want to say that it does matter on a day to day basis what you find and are able to utilize in language study. You can also start experiencing Irish in ways you never thought you would be able to before.
This past weekend, I listened to CDs in Irish. A book was also supplied. I had originally purchased the items at Barnes and Noble. The speakers spoke rapidly, but nonetheless asked me to follow along in the text. I tried to do this in the best way possible, but I had to pause the CD and flip back a few pages each time I listened.
The first few selections introduced us to words in Irish...a random selection to get the reader acquainted with pronounciation. I was so happy to have a text to refer to in this case. The words sounded beautiful, but I wanted my eyes to see something tangible. I did recognize a few words, and they were not ones I had previously written here.
I recognized words that were currently in other languages that I had heard while growing up. Some of the languages are rarely spoken here in the USA or elsewhere.
I have a feeling that Irish survives in other languages, whether we realize it or not.
I was reading about the demise of Irish, and two of the biggest factors have been that of majority speakers of English who settled into Irish - spoken areas and that of the famine that wiped out many Irish.
Irish does have that poetic appeal that French and Italian have. So, I was interested in listening and learning it.
Basic conversation was supplied in the text, and so I followed it.
The familiar "dia dhuit" or "dia duit" was listed primarily. This time, it helped to differentiate between the way I would have pronounced it and the way the speakers pronounced it on the tape. I heard myself say it, and then I heard the speakers say it. The greetings all have to do with wishing health, goodness, and God's blessing on those with whom you are conversing.
I sampled the CDs more than actually tackled the subject matter. I wanted to get a gist for what I was in store for during the process of learning.
Unlike Spanish, I may have a tough time retaining the sounds as I do not hear it readily on a day to day basis. I have some supplementary texts as stand bys, but I think that learning it experientially will be motivation enough.
Please stay in contact here, as the readers and I may want to hear about your exploits in language study and how you are actually pursuing it.
Solitaire is a wonderful way to study a language when you are not in school or do not have time to attend a class at this time. That is something you can focus on at a later point.
Slan.
Did anyone get a chance to attend the Festival this past week? I hope so.
The Irish are notorious for celebrating their culture and love sharing it with others. I hope you did network and find great people and even materials to connect you to a passion for Ireland here and abroad.
Since this blog is an experiential blog as well as an instructional one, I want to say that it does matter on a day to day basis what you find and are able to utilize in language study. You can also start experiencing Irish in ways you never thought you would be able to before.
This past weekend, I listened to CDs in Irish. A book was also supplied. I had originally purchased the items at Barnes and Noble. The speakers spoke rapidly, but nonetheless asked me to follow along in the text. I tried to do this in the best way possible, but I had to pause the CD and flip back a few pages each time I listened.
The first few selections introduced us to words in Irish...a random selection to get the reader acquainted with pronounciation. I was so happy to have a text to refer to in this case. The words sounded beautiful, but I wanted my eyes to see something tangible. I did recognize a few words, and they were not ones I had previously written here.
I recognized words that were currently in other languages that I had heard while growing up. Some of the languages are rarely spoken here in the USA or elsewhere.
I have a feeling that Irish survives in other languages, whether we realize it or not.
I was reading about the demise of Irish, and two of the biggest factors have been that of majority speakers of English who settled into Irish - spoken areas and that of the famine that wiped out many Irish.
Irish does have that poetic appeal that French and Italian have. So, I was interested in listening and learning it.
Basic conversation was supplied in the text, and so I followed it.
The familiar "dia dhuit" or "dia duit" was listed primarily. This time, it helped to differentiate between the way I would have pronounced it and the way the speakers pronounced it on the tape. I heard myself say it, and then I heard the speakers say it. The greetings all have to do with wishing health, goodness, and God's blessing on those with whom you are conversing.
I sampled the CDs more than actually tackled the subject matter. I wanted to get a gist for what I was in store for during the process of learning.
Unlike Spanish, I may have a tough time retaining the sounds as I do not hear it readily on a day to day basis. I have some supplementary texts as stand bys, but I think that learning it experientially will be motivation enough.
Please stay in contact here, as the readers and I may want to hear about your exploits in language study and how you are actually pursuing it.
Solitaire is a wonderful way to study a language when you are not in school or do not have time to attend a class at this time. That is something you can focus on at a later point.
Slan.
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Irish Heritage Center Festival
Irish Festival! (anniversary event)
This event is in the States.
July 9, 10, 11 (2010)
http://irishfestchicago.com/default.aspx
I did see this in the local "Red Eye" paper also.
They refer people to Metromix.com for more info usually..
For more information:
See links under "The Irish American Heritage Center"
This event is in the States.
July 9, 10, 11 (2010)
http://irishfestchicago.com/default.aspx
I did see this in the local "Red Eye" paper also.
They refer people to Metromix.com for more info usually..
For more information:
See links under "The Irish American Heritage Center"
Monday, June 28, 2010
The Miracle of Words
Most everybody remembers the classic story of the Miracle Worker and her young pupil.
Although she was deprived of the senses that most of us rely upon, she had a never - ceasing yearning to learn and to learn more. This story has inspired countless people over the years. Of course, I am talking about Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller.
Helen writes in her books that Annie's hand was the one that propelled her in the right direction. Some of us have had a valuable interaction with an amazing teacher, and the effects have lasted for a lifetime. For Helen, it was the connection she made to the word, "water."
All in all, she was learning words, fast and furiously. The more her teacher would spell the words to her, the more she wanted to learn and remember. There was one thing missing, however, and that is what the miracle was all about. When Annie took her to water and let Helen feel it as she spelled the word, something amazing started to happen. The mind of her eyes opened, and she knew what "water" was.
So, I want to encourage you today as you pursue the study of Irish. When you learn the words, make it a point to really connect with them and what they mean. This may be done in self study or using a brilliant person that facilitates the process for you. That essentially is the duty of a teacher. This person fosters the ability in you to learn and retain it for a lifetime. When you teach yourself, do the same.
I challenge you to make a list of words first. If you are up for learning phrases or proverbs, go ahead. Slow down as you need to. Choose a category that you are comfortable with. If it is something that involves living in your house, then choose a space: kitchen, dining area, chambers, etc. If you like a general or broad topic, choose: cars, objects in an office, computer words, basically anything that will motivate you to investigate and study words. The categories are important, because you will be the one using them in the future.
Years ago, I asked a Polish student to purchase some index cards. At the time, she was learning English. I asked her to write words in English and using scotch tape, label objects around the house. She said she really enjoyed the process. It was fun, and it felt like a game. She said she had been afraid of making mistakes in learning English. I reminded her that we do learn from making mistakes, but what is fun for you usually doesn't intimidate you at first. She said, she would also remove the cards and test herself from time to time. Then when she was too busy to tutor, she had a safe and secure way to learn while she was at the home site.
I saw her some time later at a library, and she was brimming full of confidence and cheer. She was not afraid to articulate in English, and she even showed me a translation site she had found on the internet. A lot of the time, people are afraid to talk to new immigrants, because they are afraid to face the anxiety of a new learner. I find, however, for both parties to escape that fear is of utmost necessity. Life cannot be lived in a full or rich way without interaction.
If some of you would like to label parts of your homes, offices, or cars, or the like, then go ahead and do so. Be careful with the cats and dogs, though. They make give you the run around. :) Inanimate objects cooperate best!
Use the translator that I gave you in a previous post, or use an alternative site.
You can choose the words you want to use in the event you use a translator. An example of site that lists words for you is helpful, but then you are forced to use those words. Here is one page with a list of Irish words. Choose the particular categories you want.
http://www.irishlanguage.net/irish/words.asp
You may omit the phrases for now. Words are your first lesson in learning Irish. Children in their basic literacy also start with words. There may be those of you who choose to learn by cassettes or by auditory sound. I suggest using a text in this case, and follow the words with your fingers. Also helpful, is to write out the words and sounds you hear. That is crucial for you to connect to the language.
As usual, happy studying!
We'll meet here again, next month!
Please have a collection of words ready. Practice all the while. :)
Although she was deprived of the senses that most of us rely upon, she had a never - ceasing yearning to learn and to learn more. This story has inspired countless people over the years. Of course, I am talking about Annie Sullivan and Helen Keller.
Helen writes in her books that Annie's hand was the one that propelled her in the right direction. Some of us have had a valuable interaction with an amazing teacher, and the effects have lasted for a lifetime. For Helen, it was the connection she made to the word, "water."
All in all, she was learning words, fast and furiously. The more her teacher would spell the words to her, the more she wanted to learn and remember. There was one thing missing, however, and that is what the miracle was all about. When Annie took her to water and let Helen feel it as she spelled the word, something amazing started to happen. The mind of her eyes opened, and she knew what "water" was.
So, I want to encourage you today as you pursue the study of Irish. When you learn the words, make it a point to really connect with them and what they mean. This may be done in self study or using a brilliant person that facilitates the process for you. That essentially is the duty of a teacher. This person fosters the ability in you to learn and retain it for a lifetime. When you teach yourself, do the same.
I challenge you to make a list of words first. If you are up for learning phrases or proverbs, go ahead. Slow down as you need to. Choose a category that you are comfortable with. If it is something that involves living in your house, then choose a space: kitchen, dining area, chambers, etc. If you like a general or broad topic, choose: cars, objects in an office, computer words, basically anything that will motivate you to investigate and study words. The categories are important, because you will be the one using them in the future.
Years ago, I asked a Polish student to purchase some index cards. At the time, she was learning English. I asked her to write words in English and using scotch tape, label objects around the house. She said she really enjoyed the process. It was fun, and it felt like a game. She said she had been afraid of making mistakes in learning English. I reminded her that we do learn from making mistakes, but what is fun for you usually doesn't intimidate you at first. She said, she would also remove the cards and test herself from time to time. Then when she was too busy to tutor, she had a safe and secure way to learn while she was at the home site.
I saw her some time later at a library, and she was brimming full of confidence and cheer. She was not afraid to articulate in English, and she even showed me a translation site she had found on the internet. A lot of the time, people are afraid to talk to new immigrants, because they are afraid to face the anxiety of a new learner. I find, however, for both parties to escape that fear is of utmost necessity. Life cannot be lived in a full or rich way without interaction.
If some of you would like to label parts of your homes, offices, or cars, or the like, then go ahead and do so. Be careful with the cats and dogs, though. They make give you the run around. :) Inanimate objects cooperate best!
Use the translator that I gave you in a previous post, or use an alternative site.
You can choose the words you want to use in the event you use a translator. An example of site that lists words for you is helpful, but then you are forced to use those words. Here is one page with a list of Irish words. Choose the particular categories you want.
http://www.irishlanguage.net/irish/words.asp
You may omit the phrases for now. Words are your first lesson in learning Irish. Children in their basic literacy also start with words. There may be those of you who choose to learn by cassettes or by auditory sound. I suggest using a text in this case, and follow the words with your fingers. Also helpful, is to write out the words and sounds you hear. That is crucial for you to connect to the language.
As usual, happy studying!
We'll meet here again, next month!
Please have a collection of words ready. Practice all the while. :)
Thursday, June 17, 2010
Translating and Practice
This morning, (or whenever you see this post :), try using the google translator I gave to you in the last post. You can also visually skim the passage or passages with your eye and see how many words you recognize and can attach a meaning.
Let's take a page from "Beo" again.
If you haven't seen this newsletter page yet, it is wonderful.
http://www.tg4.ie/scei/beo.asp
After you have visually skimmed the passage for a brief bit, practice using the translator and see if it is giving you the gist of the meaning. This also helps you to write and visualize Irish in print.
After a while, click for the English translation on the page. It is there at this page:
http://www.tg4.ie/bearla/scei/beo.asp
You can try the same activity with different pages. If you are fascinated by how Irish appears in print, you may want to find similar passages and move forward. Isn't it an entrancing tongue? It almost feels the same way that French may appear to a new learner?
Curiosity is a spark that engages you and connects you to new language learning. So, remain in that, and don't let that die down.
Browse on "Beo" a bit more. There may be other pages you will find interesting.
Let's take a page from "Beo" again.
If you haven't seen this newsletter page yet, it is wonderful.
http://www.tg4.ie/scei/beo.asp
After you have visually skimmed the passage for a brief bit, practice using the translator and see if it is giving you the gist of the meaning. This also helps you to write and visualize Irish in print.
After a while, click for the English translation on the page. It is there at this page:
http://www.tg4.ie/bearla/scei/beo.asp
You can try the same activity with different pages. If you are fascinated by how Irish appears in print, you may want to find similar passages and move forward. Isn't it an entrancing tongue? It almost feels the same way that French may appear to a new learner?
Curiosity is a spark that engages you and connects you to new language learning. So, remain in that, and don't let that die down.
Browse on "Beo" a bit more. There may be other pages you will find interesting.
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Translator from Google Site
I have been looking at some translation sites and Irish blogs.
I have tried to use several in the translation of Irish. Usually, a student finds his or her favorites to use. The internet particularly provides many, many options.
If you like google, then you can access translation from English to Irish here:
http://translate.google.com/#en|ga|
Other sites, too, may give you a general sense of a language or translation of typical phrases and catch - phrases.
Nothing beats the actual study and research, though, in the quest of learning. Your hunger and passion for a subject shines forth, and that is what should be sought.
You can either let something stand in the place of the work,or you can make the work your own. Your process in acquiring a tongue will be radically different from another's.The things you stumble across will be unique only to you.
The internet, although a valuable tool and resource,cannot stand in the place of your learning. So,please do remember to be diligent and practice (memorize) and really use what you are learning.
This is the connection you need with language studies.
Either make Irish your own or let something else do it for you.
You do have a choice in the matter.
Thanks again for visiting.
~Ms. A.
I have tried to use several in the translation of Irish. Usually, a student finds his or her favorites to use. The internet particularly provides many, many options.
If you like google, then you can access translation from English to Irish here:
http://translate.google.com/#en|ga|
Other sites, too, may give you a general sense of a language or translation of typical phrases and catch - phrases.
Nothing beats the actual study and research, though, in the quest of learning. Your hunger and passion for a subject shines forth, and that is what should be sought.
You can either let something stand in the place of the work,or you can make the work your own. Your process in acquiring a tongue will be radically different from another's.The things you stumble across will be unique only to you.
The internet, although a valuable tool and resource,cannot stand in the place of your learning. So,please do remember to be diligent and practice (memorize) and really use what you are learning.
This is the connection you need with language studies.
Either make Irish your own or let something else do it for you.
You do have a choice in the matter.
Thanks again for visiting.
~Ms. A.
Tuesday, June 1, 2010
Private or Personal Research
Dia dhuit.
After the holiday here, I was conscious of what we celebrate and what we give a focus to, and why we have days off consecrating those celebrations.
Many holidays are patriotic in ways your countrymen understand. If new immigrants come, sometimes they don't always have a clue as to why the day is acknowledged.
Other times, holidays are so tied in to peoples of the past and their histories. Which one of us will not acknowledge the history behind "Thanksgiving Day" or even "Columbus Day?" And why?
In this vein, I started thinking about Ireland and its people. Why, when and where was Irish spoken, what were their holidays and even foods, and what is their exact history? If things of this nature interest you, you may want to conduct some research to fulfill your desires to know.
I always recommend doing some preliminary research. If you are already advanced, a trip to the Newberry Library, or Loyola Libraries (lol! Jesuits!!!), or other such scholary centres are recommended. If you want to function as a novice or a virtual beginner, as I want to, because I want to embark on a journey from the beginning with you, then a page like this will suffice:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_language
I also found some links that will take me to the Royal Libraries (Irish, etc.,), so when you are ready for that, please do contact me, or make a comment on the bottom of my posts. I do value the scholarly pursuit, and it is a magical journey that you do not want to miss.
Then there are the places you may stumble upon, because you were somewhere at the right time and right place. One example is the "famine" page(s). There is one I saw by chance on a social media site, and it involved the Choctaws.
I hope that you enjoy researching as I do. Not only is it fun, but it takes you on fun adventures right in your own home.
So, dear readers, thirsting for new knowledge. Start with a few pages on the link provided above. Then let me know what you think.
I am especially interested in the language portions of this site.
Happy Reading & Research!
Your fan and interim teacher,
Ms. A!
After the holiday here, I was conscious of what we celebrate and what we give a focus to, and why we have days off consecrating those celebrations.
Many holidays are patriotic in ways your countrymen understand. If new immigrants come, sometimes they don't always have a clue as to why the day is acknowledged.
Other times, holidays are so tied in to peoples of the past and their histories. Which one of us will not acknowledge the history behind "Thanksgiving Day" or even "Columbus Day?" And why?
In this vein, I started thinking about Ireland and its people. Why, when and where was Irish spoken, what were their holidays and even foods, and what is their exact history? If things of this nature interest you, you may want to conduct some research to fulfill your desires to know.
I always recommend doing some preliminary research. If you are already advanced, a trip to the Newberry Library, or Loyola Libraries (lol! Jesuits!!!), or other such scholary centres are recommended. If you want to function as a novice or a virtual beginner, as I want to, because I want to embark on a journey from the beginning with you, then a page like this will suffice:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Irish_language
I also found some links that will take me to the Royal Libraries (Irish, etc.,), so when you are ready for that, please do contact me, or make a comment on the bottom of my posts. I do value the scholarly pursuit, and it is a magical journey that you do not want to miss.
Then there are the places you may stumble upon, because you were somewhere at the right time and right place. One example is the "famine" page(s). There is one I saw by chance on a social media site, and it involved the Choctaws.
I hope that you enjoy researching as I do. Not only is it fun, but it takes you on fun adventures right in your own home.
So, dear readers, thirsting for new knowledge. Start with a few pages on the link provided above. Then let me know what you think.
I am especially interested in the language portions of this site.
Happy Reading & Research!
Your fan and interim teacher,
Ms. A!
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Greetings
Dia Dhuit!
From time to time, I may stop and write a personal to all of you, however many or none (lol), there are. This is just to acquaint those who are just finding this page or don't know what this site is about.
Why Irish?
First of all, I have to say I don't speak Irish.
We are all just learning on this page. I have been interested in learning the language for some time now. It started out as a part - time hobby. I wanted the experience of learning a language that I didn't have exposure to, and this was because I wanted to relate to newer immigrants who were first coming here. I wanted to know what it must feel like to be thrown into another culture entirely without knowing what any of the people were saying, reading, or writing.
Well, so far so good!
I know the task seems daunting at this point.
I am also interested in Irish culture and history. This was imparted upon me as I was researching Jackie Kennedy's pursuits and desires to become a reclusive historian of sorts many years ago on regions including Ireland and Scotland. I also read some time back, that her Serene Royal Highness, Grace Kelly of Monaco, established a library focusing on Irish Studies. That is another area we may want to address when researching in this area.
I asked myself, why not write about this experience online? See what it takes to learn Irish, the problems and successes of it all.
Some of us probably want to give up. Some of us are going to go along with this fine carriage of Irish-speak, and hope that I don't make nearly as many errors as anyone else.
There are those of you who may want specific Irish training, for example, the language as spoken in alternative regions and not in Munster. If you are thoroughly interested, try asking Rosetta Stone or an alternative language institute for suggestions or references.
http://www.rosettastone.com
I try to attend cultural fests and find out information there. I attended Irish fests and purchased books on Irish several times before. We also have access to libraries everywhere, and there are also bookstores available to us to glean material about Irish.
God bless for keeping up with this site, if you are a secret follower.
Don't worry if you have to review or take notes on previous material, as that is what learning is all about.
If this is your first visit, scroll down to previous entries, and see what this site has to offer.
I am as always open to suggestions and comments.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Ms. A.!
From time to time, I may stop and write a personal to all of you, however many or none (lol), there are. This is just to acquaint those who are just finding this page or don't know what this site is about.
Why Irish?
First of all, I have to say I don't speak Irish.
We are all just learning on this page. I have been interested in learning the language for some time now. It started out as a part - time hobby. I wanted the experience of learning a language that I didn't have exposure to, and this was because I wanted to relate to newer immigrants who were first coming here. I wanted to know what it must feel like to be thrown into another culture entirely without knowing what any of the people were saying, reading, or writing.
Well, so far so good!
I know the task seems daunting at this point.
I am also interested in Irish culture and history. This was imparted upon me as I was researching Jackie Kennedy's pursuits and desires to become a reclusive historian of sorts many years ago on regions including Ireland and Scotland. I also read some time back, that her Serene Royal Highness, Grace Kelly of Monaco, established a library focusing on Irish Studies. That is another area we may want to address when researching in this area.
I asked myself, why not write about this experience online? See what it takes to learn Irish, the problems and successes of it all.
Some of us probably want to give up. Some of us are going to go along with this fine carriage of Irish-speak, and hope that I don't make nearly as many errors as anyone else.
There are those of you who may want specific Irish training, for example, the language as spoken in alternative regions and not in Munster. If you are thoroughly interested, try asking Rosetta Stone or an alternative language institute for suggestions or references.
http://www.rosettastone.com
I try to attend cultural fests and find out information there. I attended Irish fests and purchased books on Irish several times before. We also have access to libraries everywhere, and there are also bookstores available to us to glean material about Irish.
God bless for keeping up with this site, if you are a secret follower.
Don't worry if you have to review or take notes on previous material, as that is what learning is all about.
If this is your first visit, scroll down to previous entries, and see what this site has to offer.
I am as always open to suggestions and comments.
Thanks.
Sincerely,
Ms. A.!
Thursday, May 13, 2010
Basic Conversation
Dia Dhuit. (Hello)
Dia's Muire duit. (your answer when addressed by someone saying hello to you)
How are you?
Conas tá tú?: (Munster)
How are you?
How are you? (elsewhere in Ireland)
Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?: How are you? (Connemara)
Caidé mar tá tú?: How are you? (Ulster)
Answers:
Tá mé go maith:
I am good, well.
Tá mé go dona:
I am (feeling) badly.
Nice phrases to say and to be polite:
Go raibh maith agat: Thank you.
Tá fáilte romhat: You're welcome.
Dia's Muire duit. (your answer when addressed by someone saying hello to you)
How are you?
Conas tá tú?: (Munster)
How are you?
How are you? (elsewhere in Ireland)
Cén chaoi a bhfuil tú?: How are you? (Connemara)
Caidé mar tá tú?: How are you? (Ulster)
Answers:
Tá mé go maith:
I am good, well.
Tá mé go dona:
I am (feeling) badly.
Nice phrases to say and to be polite:
Go raibh maith agat: Thank you.
Tá fáilte romhat: You're welcome.
Friday, May 7, 2010
Celtic Fest Chicago 2010
www.celticfestchicago.us
Reminder: Don't forget to try out some of the words!
Even if you don't know how to pronounce them yet,
put your word recognition skills to the test.
If there are other groups present, visually glance
over the words. How is Irish compared to another language?
Are there similarities in the way they appear?
If you happen to meet any officials or vendors who speak
Irish, you can also practice your mistakes on them. Let
them laugh at you and correct you.
Print literacy is what you are most after at this point.
So focus on that.
Irish is a language that is rarely spoken, even by the Irish. Even in the old
country, they say there are just a handful who even speak it. The most common
feature it has with other languages is that it is more common in print. So, our aim
is to learn it by visual means.
As the time approaches, we will go to sites where you will hear it more.
Then we will practice repeating sounds, phrases and sentences.
Barnes and Nobles is one place where they have the audio along with visual lessons.
Nowadays, most lessons are in CD format. A text is usually provided.
Dictionaries may not be provided in the set, but you can either buy them separately or check for a glossary at the back of the text that is provided.
What I can also recommend is that if the cost is hefty, return another time to buy items a little at a time. If you have a budget worked out, you should be able to handle any purchase. Check around with new internet friends if they have items they are not using, or if you may find items you need at smaller bookstores.
Look for books at other book stores as well.
If you like to use the internet, try a site like Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Irish-Your-Own-Eamon-Donaill/dp/084422619X
Celtic Fest usually has a handful of bookstores that come with other interesting
things that are sold. I bought some books in Irish there years ago.
Walk around and you will stumble upon one of them.
Don't forget to have some extra funds in the event you see something else you may want to purchase.
Lots of fun!!! Music, jewelry, posters, clothing...etc.!
Reminder: Don't forget to try out some of the words!
Even if you don't know how to pronounce them yet,
put your word recognition skills to the test.
If there are other groups present, visually glance
over the words. How is Irish compared to another language?
Are there similarities in the way they appear?
If you happen to meet any officials or vendors who speak
Irish, you can also practice your mistakes on them. Let
them laugh at you and correct you.
Print literacy is what you are most after at this point.
So focus on that.
Irish is a language that is rarely spoken, even by the Irish. Even in the old
country, they say there are just a handful who even speak it. The most common
feature it has with other languages is that it is more common in print. So, our aim
is to learn it by visual means.
As the time approaches, we will go to sites where you will hear it more.
Then we will practice repeating sounds, phrases and sentences.
Barnes and Nobles is one place where they have the audio along with visual lessons.
Nowadays, most lessons are in CD format. A text is usually provided.
Dictionaries may not be provided in the set, but you can either buy them separately or check for a glossary at the back of the text that is provided.
What I can also recommend is that if the cost is hefty, return another time to buy items a little at a time. If you have a budget worked out, you should be able to handle any purchase. Check around with new internet friends if they have items they are not using, or if you may find items you need at smaller bookstores.
Look for books at other book stores as well.
If you like to use the internet, try a site like Amazon.com
http://www.amazon.com/Irish-Your-Own-Eamon-Donaill/dp/084422619X
Celtic Fest usually has a handful of bookstores that come with other interesting
things that are sold. I bought some books in Irish there years ago.
Walk around and you will stumble upon one of them.
Don't forget to have some extra funds in the event you see something else you may want to purchase.
Lots of fun!!! Music, jewelry, posters, clothing...etc.!
Monday, April 26, 2010
Words to Study!
Since Celtic Fest is coming up, there may be some Irish speakers we may
want to impress!
Taken from this page:
http://goireland.about.com/od/preparingyourtrip/tp/top10irishwords.htm
Garda: Guardian (used mainly for the police in Ireland)
Fir: Men
Mná: Women
Áth Cliath: Dublin
("ah cli-a")
Seirbhís: "service"
as seirbhís : "out of service"
Sláinte: health ( shorter form for toast to health)
Pronounced "slaan-sha"
Slán:
means "healthy" or "safe"(pronounced "slaan")
a wish for a safe journey and healthy return
slan agat and slan leat, mean "good bye"
Fáilte:
(pronounced "fall-sha") means "welcome" (Irish tourism)
"Fáilte Ireland"
céad mile fáilte ("kad meel-a fall-sha"): "a hundred thousand welcomes"
Field Trip/1st assignment outside: Use as many of these words as you can
in conversation at Celtic Fest Chicago.
Coming up in May!
want to impress!
Taken from this page:
http://goireland.about.com/od/preparingyourtrip/tp/top10irishwords.htm
Garda: Guardian (used mainly for the police in Ireland)
Fir: Men
Mná: Women
Áth Cliath: Dublin
("ah cli-a")
Seirbhís: "service"
as seirbhís : "out of service"
Sláinte: health ( shorter form for toast to health)
Pronounced "slaan-sha"
Slán:
means "healthy" or "safe"(pronounced "slaan")
a wish for a safe journey and healthy return
slan agat and slan leat, mean "good bye"
Fáilte:
(pronounced "fall-sha") means "welcome" (Irish tourism)
"Fáilte Ireland"
céad mile fáilte ("kad meel-a fall-sha"): "a hundred thousand welcomes"
Field Trip/1st assignment outside: Use as many of these words as you can
in conversation at Celtic Fest Chicago.
Coming up in May!
Friday, April 23, 2010
More Words For You
This is an early view for you of Irish words and phrases that you can review.
We will be covering these next week.
The question over the usage of "slan"
is on this link.
http://goireland.about.com/od/preparingyourtrip/tp/top10irishwords.htm
If you do not want to increase your knowledge of Irish vocabulary
at this point, go back to the last couple of entries and review
the days of the week and the other basic words we have already learned.
Weekends are for review at this learning Blog!
I like the words Ronan Keating used in the latest song.
I think it goes something like this:
"...one step forward...two steps back"
How about using that tactic, if not here, on chess?! (lol...)
So, all of you at the point of giving up right now, know that you
don't have to hang up your hats yet!
Your unofficial Irish Teacher,
Ms. A!
We will be covering these next week.
The question over the usage of "slan"
is on this link.
http://goireland.about.com/od/preparingyourtrip/tp/top10irishwords.htm
If you do not want to increase your knowledge of Irish vocabulary
at this point, go back to the last couple of entries and review
the days of the week and the other basic words we have already learned.
Weekends are for review at this learning Blog!
I like the words Ronan Keating used in the latest song.
I think it goes something like this:
"...one step forward...two steps back"
How about using that tactic, if not here, on chess?! (lol...)
So, all of you at the point of giving up right now, know that you
don't have to hang up your hats yet!
Your unofficial Irish Teacher,
Ms. A!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Irish Practice - Self Study at Home
Dia dhuit.
Today is Dé Luain.
Tomorrow is Dé Máirt.
Wednesday is Dé Chéadaoin.
Thursday is Déardaoin.
Friday is Dé hAoine.
Saturday is Dé Sathairn.
Sunday is Dé Domhnaigh.
Translation of the Irish words that are above:
(the rest of the words are in English)
Hello.
Today is Monday.
Tomorrow is Tuesday.
Review: Study each word below with your eyes. Write it down five
times each.
Days of the Week!
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt.
Wednesday: Dé Chéadaoin
Thursday: Déardaoin
Friday: Dé hAoine
Saturday: Dé Sathairn
Sunday: Dé Domhnaigh
Weekend Practice: Write down the words three times each.
Friday: Dé hAoine
Saturday: Dé Sathairn
Sunday: Dé Domhnaigh
More Practice & Review:
Today, I drank a cupan of caife.
On Dé Sathairn, I drank tae.
Something new! The difference between two words for "Good Bye."
Slán agat. (Goodbye) I say it this way if I am leaving you.
Slán leat. (Goodbye) You are leaving, so it translates as "be healthy" or
literally as your wish for person going to
"take health with you."
Again!
Slán agat - "Health at you." (I'm leaving, I hope health stays with you)
Slán leat - "Health with you." (You're leaving, I hope you take some health with you)
I have seen people use just the word "slan" alone as well. So, if this is not
correct, I will let you know.
There is personal license when people use languages everywhere, if not artistic license.
Tips:
Pace yourself as you study Irish.
We can only learn material that is presented to us.
We can only learn if we are ready to do so.
***If you find you are behind in this blog, don't worry.
Look at it like exercise class. Expend only the energy that
you are able to. Work toward it when you can.
A lot of times, if you rush headlong into a project, you stop because
you think you are ahead, or you become frustrated with the task if
you can't catch up.
So slow down, and then take note of where you are.
Everyone is usually at a different pace or level, most of the time.
ERRORS: Please forgive any on this blog. We are mostly non - native Irish learners
down here in the USA, but one day, we'll get there!!!
Today is Dé Luain.
Tomorrow is Dé Máirt.
Wednesday is Dé Chéadaoin.
Thursday is Déardaoin.
Friday is Dé hAoine.
Saturday is Dé Sathairn.
Sunday is Dé Domhnaigh.
Translation of the Irish words that are above:
(the rest of the words are in English)
Hello.
Today is Monday.
Tomorrow is Tuesday.
Review: Study each word below with your eyes. Write it down five
times each.
Days of the Week!
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt.
Wednesday: Dé Chéadaoin
Thursday: Déardaoin
Friday: Dé hAoine
Saturday: Dé Sathairn
Sunday: Dé Domhnaigh
Weekend Practice: Write down the words three times each.
Friday: Dé hAoine
Saturday: Dé Sathairn
Sunday: Dé Domhnaigh
More Practice & Review:
Today, I drank a cupan of caife.
On Dé Sathairn, I drank tae.
Something new! The difference between two words for "Good Bye."
Slán agat. (Goodbye) I say it this way if I am leaving you.
Slán leat. (Goodbye) You are leaving, so it translates as "be healthy" or
literally as your wish for person going to
"take health with you."
Again!
Slán agat - "Health at you." (I'm leaving, I hope health stays with you)
Slán leat - "Health with you." (You're leaving, I hope you take some health with you)
I have seen people use just the word "slan" alone as well. So, if this is not
correct, I will let you know.
There is personal license when people use languages everywhere, if not artistic license.
Tips:
Pace yourself as you study Irish.
We can only learn material that is presented to us.
We can only learn if we are ready to do so.
***If you find you are behind in this blog, don't worry.
Look at it like exercise class. Expend only the energy that
you are able to. Work toward it when you can.
A lot of times, if you rush headlong into a project, you stop because
you think you are ahead, or you become frustrated with the task if
you can't catch up.
So slow down, and then take note of where you are.
Everyone is usually at a different pace or level, most of the time.
ERRORS: Please forgive any on this blog. We are mostly non - native Irish learners
down here in the USA, but one day, we'll get there!!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Practice Reading and Listening to Irish
Dia Dhuit! (Hello)
Today is Déardaoin. (Thursday)
I am having a cupan of caife, not tae.
I might read "Beo!" and practice the days of the week.
(www.beo.ie)
How about you?
You can probably figure out other words simply by using
your common sense or word recognition skills.
I am going to see how many "Alice in Wonderland" words I can recognize.
Yesterday, I visited a site on Facebook (Facebook.com) on
Irish Language Learning. I played videos of people speaking Irish.
If you want to know how it sounds when spoken, try visiting:
"Irish Language Learners"
Click on video bars to the side.
People are also writing in Irish there.
Today is Déardaoin. (Thursday)
I am having a cupan of caife, not tae.
I might read "Beo!" and practice the days of the week.
(www.beo.ie)
How about you?
You can probably figure out other words simply by using
your common sense or word recognition skills.
I am going to see how many "Alice in Wonderland" words I can recognize.
Yesterday, I visited a site on Facebook (Facebook.com) on
Irish Language Learning. I played videos of people speaking Irish.
If you want to know how it sounds when spoken, try visiting:
"Irish Language Learners"
Click on video bars to the side.
People are also writing in Irish there.
Wednesday, April 14, 2010
Continue On
Dia Dhuit
Write it five times:
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
Practice "Wednesday"
Wednesday: Dé Chéadaoin
Practice & Review:
cupan
caife
tae
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt
New for this week:
Taim i'ngra leat : I love you.
International: There's a whole world out there, isn't there?!
http://marriage.about.com/od/loveandromance/a/loveyou_3.htm
Write it five times:
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
Practice "Wednesday"
Wednesday: Dé Chéadaoin
Practice & Review:
cupan
caife
tae
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt
New for this week:
Taim i'ngra leat : I love you.
International: There's a whole world out there, isn't there?!
http://marriage.about.com/od/loveandromance/a/loveyou_3.htm
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Alice in Wonderland
Find the entry that has to do with Alice on Beo!.
Scroll through the entries.
www.beo.ie
QUESTIONS!
1.) How did you do it?
2.) Did you follow verbal clues or photos?
3.) How many words can you recognize without using a dictionary?
4.) When you see the words, "cupan" and "tae" write them down.
5.) Write a sentence or try to write one with just those words.
The rest of the words can be in English or another language, if
you prefer.
I want a ( ) of ( ).
How many other activities can we come up with using a language we
do not know yet?
Activity:
Try to see if you can allow your eyes to pick out words and
translate them. Perhaps, you have heard some already or even
seen it around in our popular cultural settings.
Words to Practice:
Hello: Dia Dhuit
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt
Cup: cupan
Coffee: caife
Tea: tae
Scroll through the entries.
www.beo.ie
QUESTIONS!
1.) How did you do it?
2.) Did you follow verbal clues or photos?
3.) How many words can you recognize without using a dictionary?
4.) When you see the words, "cupan" and "tae" write them down.
5.) Write a sentence or try to write one with just those words.
The rest of the words can be in English or another language, if
you prefer.
I want a ( ) of ( ).
How many other activities can we come up with using a language we
do not know yet?
Activity:
Try to see if you can allow your eyes to pick out words and
translate them. Perhaps, you have heard some already or even
seen it around in our popular cultural settings.
Words to Practice:
Hello: Dia Dhuit
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt
Cup: cupan
Coffee: caife
Tea: tae
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Getting Aquainted With Words
Dia Dhuit
or (hello)
In my first post, I asked people to jot down
"cupan" and "caife"
Can you find the words on this link below?
http://www.villacabreros.com/ir
This link was posted on a Facebook page as a site where you can view the language.
The first step I am going to take in learning this language is to
see how the words look to my eye. Eventually, I want my eyes to recognize
languages (words) that are not familiar.
Here is another site you may like:
www.beo.ie
So, a "word hunt" or "word search" similar to "I SPY" might be fun and
motivational to practicing this way.
WORDS
PHRASES
WORDS AND PHRASES
I am not going to venture into the world of speech and conversation yet, because
it is an unfamiliar language, and I want my eyes to see it in print first.
Print immersion and print literacy is very important to me. The Irish language, from what I have heard, sounds beautiful, so I want to find the beauty of the words
themselves.
Finding words I see over and over again will give me a gist of what the language
is like, what it appears like on the page, spelling patterns or constructs.
I can try to pronounce it and see whether I am trying to use another language as a model to pronounce the words. What if I am using English or even Spanish to try to pronounce it?
I want to be able to connect to the words and see what I am doing with them first
before outside help or resources. This will enable me to spot weaknesses (& strengths), so I can work to improve myself in the future.
When I first took Spanish, I had feared being required to speak it and understand it.
So, to this day, I feel that hesitancy to speak it and understand it when spoken.
I wonder if I will be that way with Irish.
I think I need to see the word, allow it to become familiar to me, and then see what it becomes to my eyes. Then I will try to see if I can understand what I am reading.
Since, it is not going to be a popular language in the USA, I may not even hear the words at first or observe how fast it is spoken.
A dictionary will at least help me to decipher the meaning of words like "cupan" and "caife," words that seem to be popping up all over the place lately. What is great is that familiar words will frequently appear, and this is good for word-recognition skills.
Days of the week, the calendar, and numbers might also be helpful at first.
So happy studying to me and all!
Activity:
Write out "dia dhuit" five times on paper.
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
Next:
Write out "cup" and then "cupan" and then
"coffee" and "caife."
I want a cup of coffee.
I want a cupan of caife. (substitution of Irish here)
EXTRA CREDIT! (4 bold people!)
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt
The rest...
Wednesday: Dé Chéadaoin
Thursday: Déardaoin
Friday: Dé hAoine Saturday: Dé Sathairn
Sunday: Dé Domhnaigh
or (hello)
In my first post, I asked people to jot down
"cupan" and "caife"
Can you find the words on this link below?
http://www.villacabreros.com/ir
This link was posted on a Facebook page as a site where you can view the language.
The first step I am going to take in learning this language is to
see how the words look to my eye. Eventually, I want my eyes to recognize
languages (words) that are not familiar.
Here is another site you may like:
www.beo.ie
So, a "word hunt" or "word search" similar to "I SPY" might be fun and
motivational to practicing this way.
WORDS
PHRASES
WORDS AND PHRASES
I am not going to venture into the world of speech and conversation yet, because
it is an unfamiliar language, and I want my eyes to see it in print first.
Print immersion and print literacy is very important to me. The Irish language, from what I have heard, sounds beautiful, so I want to find the beauty of the words
themselves.
Finding words I see over and over again will give me a gist of what the language
is like, what it appears like on the page, spelling patterns or constructs.
I can try to pronounce it and see whether I am trying to use another language as a model to pronounce the words. What if I am using English or even Spanish to try to pronounce it?
I want to be able to connect to the words and see what I am doing with them first
before outside help or resources. This will enable me to spot weaknesses (& strengths), so I can work to improve myself in the future.
When I first took Spanish, I had feared being required to speak it and understand it.
So, to this day, I feel that hesitancy to speak it and understand it when spoken.
I wonder if I will be that way with Irish.
I think I need to see the word, allow it to become familiar to me, and then see what it becomes to my eyes. Then I will try to see if I can understand what I am reading.
Since, it is not going to be a popular language in the USA, I may not even hear the words at first or observe how fast it is spoken.
A dictionary will at least help me to decipher the meaning of words like "cupan" and "caife," words that seem to be popping up all over the place lately. What is great is that familiar words will frequently appear, and this is good for word-recognition skills.
Days of the week, the calendar, and numbers might also be helpful at first.
So happy studying to me and all!
Activity:
Write out "dia dhuit" five times on paper.
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
dia dhuit
Next:
Write out "cup" and then "cupan" and then
"coffee" and "caife."
I want a cup of coffee.
I want a cupan of caife. (substitution of Irish here)
EXTRA CREDIT! (4 bold people!)
Monday: Dé Luain
Tuesday: Dé Máirt
The rest...
Wednesday: Dé Chéadaoin
Thursday: Déardaoin
Friday: Dé hAoine Saturday: Dé Sathairn
Sunday: Dé Domhnaigh
Saturday, April 10, 2010
Celtic Fest / Chicago 2010!
Dia Dhuit.
Anyone visiting Chicago, Illinois in the month of May (2010)
can stop by "Celtic Fest" 2010.
It will be taking place on May 8 and May 9th at:
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Facebook also has a phone number posted.
Information is available on these following pages:
www.celticfestchicago.us
Also on Facebook: Search "Celtic Fest Chicago"
Slan.
***Most Chicago events also have information on:
www.metromix. com
Anyone visiting Chicago, Illinois in the month of May (2010)
can stop by "Celtic Fest" 2010.
It will be taking place on May 8 and May 9th at:
Millennium Park
201 E. Randolph St.
Facebook also has a phone number posted.
Information is available on these following pages:
www.celticfestchicago.us
Also on Facebook: Search "Celtic Fest Chicago"
Slan.
***Most Chicago events also have information on:
www.metromix. com
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Irish Spring & Summer!
Dia dhuit.
If you have an interest in all things Irish, you can visit
this site:
http://www.celticcafe.com/celticcafe/Home/index.html
They have something there for everyone. So please join.
I believe they have a Facebook page also.
If you are going to visit the states, Chicago, in particular
will be hosting Celtic Fest.
I got this from "MetroMix.com" (print version of the local free paper:
The RedEye)
May 8 - 9
This time it will be at Millennium Park.
201 E. Randolph St.
If you have an interest in all things Irish, you can visit
this site:
http://www.celticcafe.com/celticcafe/Home/index.html
They have something there for everyone. So please join.
I believe they have a Facebook page also.
If you are going to visit the states, Chicago, in particular
will be hosting Celtic Fest.
I got this from "MetroMix.com" (print version of the local free paper:
The RedEye)
May 8 - 9
This time it will be at Millennium Park.
201 E. Randolph St.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
Words
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KabxdNofzGM&feature=related
The Window Sill
April 7, 2010
A site born today
Not online as of yet
Inspired by a gray cat...
& by Edge of Night viewers and fans
& for actors and actresses past and present
who still are out there
somewhere
Words live on.
ADDENDUM:
Official birth: 3:00pm
Place: U.S.A.
Site: www.graycatsill.blogspot.com
Please visit us if you are a fan or just curious
about this venture!
The Window Sill
April 7, 2010
A site born today
Not online as of yet
Inspired by a gray cat...
& by Edge of Night viewers and fans
& for actors and actresses past and present
who still are out there
somewhere
Words live on.
ADDENDUM:
Official birth: 3:00pm
Place: U.S.A.
Site: www.graycatsill.blogspot.com
Please visit us if you are a fan or just curious
about this venture!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
Irish Endurance
For Eire
For Irish daughters
everywhere
May you run the race
that is set before you
even when you feel alone
in the immigrant experience
in different lands
You are beloved.
"Footprints" (Leona)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rqsltr5vsE&feature=related
"Voice Within" (Christina)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7qOsti5r2U&feature=related
"Ever So Lonely" (Sheila)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbcKO92OGNI
For Irish daughters
everywhere
May you run the race
that is set before you
even when you feel alone
in the immigrant experience
in different lands
You are beloved.
"Footprints" (Leona)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9rqsltr5vsE&feature=related
"Voice Within" (Christina)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U7qOsti5r2U&feature=related
"Ever So Lonely" (Sheila)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bbcKO92OGNI
Wednesday, March 31, 2010
For Phoebe...
This page is for you with love and prayer.
Although I did not know you
or might have never met you,
your plight has been on my mind,
if only we had been able to see
your struggle, hear your words,
and I wish
that you could have reached out
to someone, anyone
before you flew away
to be with Him
May God comfort you.
This song by The Corrs
is for you and those who loved you:
Somebody for Someone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoPJDGwd1OM
May we all reach out to people who
don't find a voice
as soon as others do
and that we will reach out to them
when they are alone or afraid
May we find people who will be there
for us through good and bad
May we trust in His arms and rest
until the day of hope
of resurrection and new beginnings
An Irish Blessing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Jv57P_cyg
with lyrics
Isle of Hope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggbcKx3yitw&feature=related
We will not forget your struggles
in a new and strange land!
***********************************
"NEVER - ENDING STORY"
(They can kill the body, but not the soul.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khTntOxX-k
*************************************************************************************
If you want to join in an effort to counter bullying, or know of ways to stop this, please join a group near to you or in your school.
This is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly.
http://www.slate.com/id/2242320/landing/1
Facebook now has threads and discussion boards about Phoebe.
*************************************************************************************
Thanks.
~ Jo
Although I did not know you
or might have never met you,
your plight has been on my mind,
if only we had been able to see
your struggle, hear your words,
and I wish
that you could have reached out
to someone, anyone
before you flew away
to be with Him
May God comfort you.
This song by The Corrs
is for you and those who loved you:
Somebody for Someone
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IoPJDGwd1OM
May we all reach out to people who
don't find a voice
as soon as others do
and that we will reach out to them
when they are alone or afraid
May we find people who will be there
for us through good and bad
May we trust in His arms and rest
until the day of hope
of resurrection and new beginnings
An Irish Blessing
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4Jv57P_cyg
with lyrics
Isle of Hope
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ggbcKx3yitw&feature=related
We will not forget your struggles
in a new and strange land!
***********************************
"NEVER - ENDING STORY"
(They can kill the body, but not the soul.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3khTntOxX-k
*************************************************************************************
If you want to join in an effort to counter bullying, or know of ways to stop this, please join a group near to you or in your school.
This is a serious matter, not something to be taken lightly.
http://www.slate.com/id/2242320/landing/1
Facebook now has threads and discussion boards about Phoebe.
*************************************************************************************
Thanks.
~ Jo
Monday, March 29, 2010
Irish Solitaire / Solo Irish
Dia dhuit.
This is a journey of new arenas for me.
I am following the threads that seem relevant to me currently. The field of language is one that I consecrate to those who teach us to communicate even when we are miles apart from one another. This is more or less a solitary journey, because I will not enroll in a class or communicate with others versed in the language as of yet. I gravitate to hobbies and keeping them, so I asked myself, why not languages as a hobby?
This blog will also be a dedication to poets that are world - wide and to song artists as well.
(To Ronan Keating today... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuJrEBtmM1Q)
I also heard his song, "Heal me."
To: the blog's readers: "Love in Any Language"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guOVywRvD2k&feature=related
This version has the music with the lyrics flashing on screen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IknJtAMQMRE&feature=related
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Yesterday, I joined a newsletter that sends me a word a day and its history and meaning. So I will file those under "English Solitaire" when I can.
Solo English / English Solitaire
Solo Irish / Irish Solitaire
Solo Spanish / Spanish Solitaire (also at: www.spanishsolitaire.blogspot.com)
(www.solospanish.blogspot.com)
Solo Portuguese / Portuguese Solitaire (through the medium of a telenovela)
There will possibly be a minimal interest in other languages along the way.
Hindi, Italian, French, even obscure or dead languages, if I can give them the time they deserve...
Mostly, it will be a journey of discovery, while I am solitary. The "silent skills" we all take for granted are necessary for certain tasks.
Reading
Research
Collecting
Spelling
Grammar
An alert attention to detail
And to broad implications
Watching telenovelas (lol) (Gracias a los escritores en la America Sur, y los escritores de romanza y the medium: Cable Channels 4 y 6 (Chicago)
My mistakes and errors, because when I make them, I find editors. (lol)
The really "slow" painstaking learning
The writing out of the words
The desire to pronounce
The desire for response and correction
The desire to simply communicate
Yes, we are "solo" and, we are also global.
That is the beauty of the human tongue.
IRISH
I remember when I first started taking the language, the easiest word to remember was:
"cat"
Why?
Because it was "cat."
Introductory Link(s): possibly many are out there, but I will start here.
http://www.transparent.com/learn-irish/phrases.html
http://www.irishlanguage.net/irish/words.asp
What to do except start at the very beginning?!
I prefer words to actual phrases and conversation,
although I can learn phrases simultaneously.
A word is a breath or many breaths depending on the syllables it contains.
It is many breaths.
It is a pause.
An expenditure of energy that counts to me but to no one else.
It is also a fusion when you get better at a language and speak and pronounce
it properly.
Leonardo da Vinci inspired this within me. (via Michael Gelb's books)
His word lexicon was truly inspiring, and I want to keep one also. If I ever conduct the "Solo Italian / Italian Solitaire journey, that will be in honor of him.
Today, I think of Brigid of Ireland, as I start this journey. I think of some internet newsgroup friends from Ireland.
I think of a new friend I made from Singapore. (She is in Sri Lanka now.)
A friend I lost somewhere in Florida who liked the concept of finding messages in bottles. He was to write a book on this subject.
To those who send "Dr. Who" to the U.S.A via England and Wales.
To David Tennant and Freema Ageyman
To the new series, not yet arrived...T.B.A.
All of this goes out to these people and to all the linguists and language enthusiasts (hobbyists) everywhere!
Go raibh maith agat! (thank you)
I wish you the best as you go solo in your many, many projects!!!
Don't forget to go solo at least some of the time.
It is a luxury, more than we know.
~ Jo
Caife
Cupan
P.S.
Monday: Dé Luain
I am going to drink a cupan (stress on letter "a") of caife.
***(Okay, fine! Thanks to the Arabic for our word, "coffee" too!)
Solo Arabic/ Arabic Solitaire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This is a journey of new arenas for me.
I am following the threads that seem relevant to me currently. The field of language is one that I consecrate to those who teach us to communicate even when we are miles apart from one another. This is more or less a solitary journey, because I will not enroll in a class or communicate with others versed in the language as of yet. I gravitate to hobbies and keeping them, so I asked myself, why not languages as a hobby?
This blog will also be a dedication to poets that are world - wide and to song artists as well.
(To Ronan Keating today... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AuJrEBtmM1Q)
I also heard his song, "Heal me."
To: the blog's readers: "Love in Any Language"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=guOVywRvD2k&feature=related
This version has the music with the lyrics flashing on screen.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IknJtAMQMRE&feature=related
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Yesterday, I joined a newsletter that sends me a word a day and its history and meaning. So I will file those under "English Solitaire" when I can.
Solo English / English Solitaire
Solo Irish / Irish Solitaire
Solo Spanish / Spanish Solitaire (also at: www.spanishsolitaire.blogspot.com)
(www.solospanish.blogspot.com)
Solo Portuguese / Portuguese Solitaire (through the medium of a telenovela)
There will possibly be a minimal interest in other languages along the way.
Hindi, Italian, French, even obscure or dead languages, if I can give them the time they deserve...
Mostly, it will be a journey of discovery, while I am solitary. The "silent skills" we all take for granted are necessary for certain tasks.
Reading
Research
Collecting
Spelling
Grammar
An alert attention to detail
And to broad implications
Watching telenovelas (lol) (Gracias a los escritores en la America Sur, y los escritores de romanza y the medium: Cable Channels 4 y 6 (Chicago)
My mistakes and errors, because when I make them, I find editors. (lol)
The really "slow" painstaking learning
The writing out of the words
The desire to pronounce
The desire for response and correction
The desire to simply communicate
Yes, we are "solo" and, we are also global.
That is the beauty of the human tongue.
IRISH
I remember when I first started taking the language, the easiest word to remember was:
"cat"
Why?
Because it was "cat."
Introductory Link(s): possibly many are out there, but I will start here.
http://www.transparent.com/learn-irish/phrases.html
http://www.irishlanguage.net/irish/words.asp
What to do except start at the very beginning?!
I prefer words to actual phrases and conversation,
although I can learn phrases simultaneously.
A word is a breath or many breaths depending on the syllables it contains.
It is many breaths.
It is a pause.
An expenditure of energy that counts to me but to no one else.
It is also a fusion when you get better at a language and speak and pronounce
it properly.
Leonardo da Vinci inspired this within me. (via Michael Gelb's books)
His word lexicon was truly inspiring, and I want to keep one also. If I ever conduct the "Solo Italian / Italian Solitaire journey, that will be in honor of him.
Today, I think of Brigid of Ireland, as I start this journey. I think of some internet newsgroup friends from Ireland.
I think of a new friend I made from Singapore. (She is in Sri Lanka now.)
A friend I lost somewhere in Florida who liked the concept of finding messages in bottles. He was to write a book on this subject.
To those who send "Dr. Who" to the U.S.A via England and Wales.
To David Tennant and Freema Ageyman
To the new series, not yet arrived...T.B.A.
All of this goes out to these people and to all the linguists and language enthusiasts (hobbyists) everywhere!
Go raibh maith agat! (thank you)
I wish you the best as you go solo in your many, many projects!!!
Don't forget to go solo at least some of the time.
It is a luxury, more than we know.
~ Jo
Caife
Cupan
P.S.
Monday: Dé Luain
I am going to drink a cupan (stress on letter "a") of caife.
***(Okay, fine! Thanks to the Arabic for our word, "coffee" too!)
Solo Arabic/ Arabic Solitaire!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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