Irish Language Blog
Menu
Search

Tag Archives: gabhar

Where the ‘fianna’ and the ‘antalóip’ play? Irish words for some quadrupeds! Posted by on Jan 31, 2019

(le Róislín) Remember the Irish for “unicorn” and “rhinoceros” from the last blog?  If not, freagraí thíos.  Last time we also included the Irish word “biorbheannach,” which refers to another horned quadruped (ceathairchosach).  Remember what that one was?  If not, freagra also thíos and a picture of it is thuas. Having looked at those animals…

Continue Reading

Chinese New Year in Irish: Cén tAinmhí (which animal) do 2015? Posted by on Feb 18, 2015

(le Róislín) Bliain Nua na Síneach agus Parthas na nGramadóirí.  Chinese New Year and this year, 2015, a grammarian’s paradise. Cén fáth?  Why? Because unlike previous years, 2015 offers us two, perhaps even three, animals as the symbol for the year. But choosing between animals would mostly be vocabulary, not grammar, right?  Like “sheep” vs…

Continue Reading

Seamus Heaney and the Irish Language (Cuid a Dó as Trí) Posted by on Sep 19, 2013

(le Róislín) In the last blog we looked at the Irish titles of two of Heaney’s poems, “Aisling” (Dream/Vision) and “Maighdean Mara” (Mermaid/Sea-maiden).  This time we’ll look at a poem which is inspired by some Irish Gaelic words but which doesn’t actually include them in the text.  So, by reading this blog, you’ll not only…

Continue Reading

Cineálacha Rothaí – Including the “Scottie Pinwheel” Posted by on Jan 26, 2013

le Róislín When I first heard about the Scottie Pinwheel (‘sea, sé bhrocaire Albanacha ag siúl timpeall ar mhol, agus cad é atá sa mhol sin ach “babhla bainne gabhair,” a bowl of goat’s milk), I thought “Now there’s a great phrase to translate.”   Perhaps you’ve seen the video? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDa0z0gEvI4 But, of course, there are lots of…

Continue Reading