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.
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