When to Say ‘Pádraig,’ When to Say ‘Phádraig,’ and When to say ‘Saxifraga spathularis’ Posted by róislín on Mar 11, 2014
(le Róislín) With Lá Fhéile Pádraig just around the corner, let’s take a closer look at the name “Pádraig” itself. It has two main forms, “Pádraig” being the basic form, and “Phádraig,” used in certain types of phrases. Less frequently, we may also encounter “bPádraig.” Of course, there are also nicknames, like Páidín, Páid, Padhra…
10 Ways to Describe “Seamróga” (Shamrocks) in Irish Posted by róislín on Mar 8, 2014
(le Róislín) As we approach Lá Fhéile Pádraig (aka “Lá ‘le Pádraig” and “St. Patrick’s Day”), our thoughts naturally turn to “seamróga” (shamrocks). How many ways can we think of to describe them? We’ll try for at least ten in this blog. Maybe some readers will have some more suggestions. A key thing to remember…
Ag Cur Cat ar Fhuinneoga (or at least ‘á n-oscailt,’ the windows, that is) Posted by róislín on Mar 4, 2014
(le Róislín) Recently we’ve gone from discussing bridges, like Droichead na Leathphingine (Baile Átha Cliath) and Droichead na Cónaidhme (Ceanada) to discussing windows (fuinneoga). Well, one window (fuinneog amháin) anyway, the well-known “Carpenter Gothic” one in Grant Wood’s American Gothic. So let’s look a little closer at the word “window” itself in its various forms…
Cén stíl agus cén chuma? (What style and what appearance?) Posted by róislín on Feb 28, 2014
(le Róislín) B’fhéidir gurb í seo ceann de na fuinneoga is clúití i stair ealaíne. An aithníonn tú í? Bhí sí sa phictiúr a bhí sa bhlag is déanaí (https://blogs.transparent.com/irish/cad-a-dheanfaidh-tu-ar-an-deireadh-seachtaine-seo-what-are-you-doing-this-wee/). Cén stíl í? Perhaps this is one of the most famous windows in the history of art. Do you recognize it? It was in the…
Cad a dhéanfaidh tú ar an deireadh seachtaine seo? (What are you doing this weekend?) Posted by róislín on Feb 25, 2014
(le Róislín) A couple of months ago we posed this question on the Transparent Language Irish Blog: Cad a dhéanfaidh tú ar an deireadh seachtaine seo? (What are you doing this weekend?) https://www.facebook.com/learn.irish/posts/10152034063644295?stream_ref=10 Let’s look at some possible answers. How many can you translate? 1. Rachaidh mé ag siopadóireacht. [… egg SHOP-uh-dohrzh-ukht] 2. Rachaidh mé…
Droichead na Cónaidhme nó ‘Réise na mBeann Glas’ (Mar a Dúradh) Posted by róislín on Feb 22, 2014
(le Róislín) I couldn’t resist spending a little more time with bridges (droichid) since Canada’s Confederation Bridge has such a clever nickname, as bestowed by …, hmm, which Irish person? (freagra thíos). Just a quick review of the phrase “Droichead na Cónaidhme,” before we get to the nickname: droichead [DRIH-hud], bridge na [nuh], here it…
Speaking of ‘Droichid’ (From Ha’penny to $45) Posted by róislín on Feb 18, 2014
(le Róislín) Ó Dhroichead na Leathphingine i mBaile Átha Cliath go ceann de na droichid is daoire ar domhan sa lá atá inniu ann! Is iad “droichid” ábhar ár mblag inniu. An bhfuil a fhios agat cad é an droichead dola daor atá i gceist agam? But before we get down to brass tacks and…