Archive by Author
Leasmhac, Leasiníon, Leas-siblíní and the hypothetical Irish (or Martian) Leas-Taoiseach Posted by róislín on Nov 25, 2016
(le Róislín) The last entry (for now, at least), in our “leas-” terms series will cover the words “leasmhac” (stepson) and “leasiníon” (stepdaughter). Probably, in fact, these words will be more applicable for a lot of readers than some of the other “leas-” terms (like “Leas-PhríomhLeabharlannaí” — remember that one? If not, please see below). …
How to Pronounce Irish Words with the ‘Leas-‘ Prefix (Cuid/Part 2) Posted by róislín on Nov 22, 2016
(le Róislín) In the blogpost for November 12, 2016 (nasc thíos), we looked at various words with the prefix “leas-,” going beyond the typical meaning of “step-” (as in leasdeirfiúr and leasdeartháir). We got through about half the planned examples, like “leas-” before vowels, as in “leasainm” (nickname) and “leas-” before the consonants “c” and…
Tips for Pronouncing the “thdh” Combination in Some Irish Words from the List of ‘Gaolta Teaghlaigh’ (Family Relationships) Posted by róislín on Nov 19, 2016
(le Róislín) There are a few pairs of words in our most recent blog about gaolta teaghlaigh (family relationships) that might be a little puzzling to pronounce, for newcomers to the language. This blogpost will deal with the following pairs; if you have questions about others, please feel free to write in and ask. leasdeirfiúr…
Terms for Family Relationships in Irish — Gaolta Teaghlaigh Posted by róislín on Nov 16, 2016
(le Róislín) As we approach two major holiday seasons, Lá an Altaithe (i Meiriceá) and An Nollaig (go hidirnáisiúnta), many people will be traveling great distances to spend time with their families (a dteaghlaigh). So let’s take break from looking at leasghaolta (steprelationships), as we’ve done in the recent blogposts, and look at the broader…
How to Pronounce Irish Words with the ‘Leas-‘ Prefix (Cuid/Part 1) Posted by róislín on Nov 12, 2016
(le Róislín) Leasainm … Leas-rí … Leas-ardeaglais … all fairly straight-forward in pronunci-ation, all things consider-ed. But what hap-pens to the “m” in “leas-mhamó” or “leas-mháthair” or the “c” in “leas-chodán” or “leaschon-sal“? Why don’t the “s’s” of “leas-seanathair” and “leas-seanmháthair” and “leas-seansailéir” change at all? And what about “leis-chliamhain” and the presumably possible “leasbhanchliamhain”…
More Meanings of the Irish Prefix ‘Leas-‘ (from ‘step-‘ to ‘vice,’ etc.) Posted by róislín on Nov 6, 2016
(le Róislín) Recently we’ve looked at a lot of Irish terms using the prefix “leas-” to say “stepmother,” “stepfather,” “stepgrandmother,” “stepgrandfather,” etc. In this blogpost, we’ll look at some of the other uses of the prefix “leas-.” First though, let’s review some “step-” terms for gaolta teaghlaigh (family relationships). The translations are given below: leasathair…
Irish Words for Brothers, Sisters, Stepbrothers, Stepsisters, and Blended Families Posted by róislín on Oct 31, 2016
(le Róislín) Continuing our theme of gaolta teaghlaigh (family relationships), let’s look at brothers, sisters, stepbrothers, stepsisters, and the overall concept of “blended families.” The basic siblíní are probably quite well known: deirfiúr, sister, pl. deirfiúracha deartháir, brother, pl. deartháireacha To say “stepbrother” or “stepsister,” we add the same prefix as for step-parents (leas-). This…