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Counting People in Irish — Cén daoine? Na daoine ag an bpic-nic! Posted by on Aug 25, 2018

(le Róislín) Counting people in Irish is fairly straightforward, but there are two important things to remember: The question “How many people …?” keeps the word for “people” in the singular in Irish, so we use “duine” (person), not “daoine” (people). The question is “Cé mhéad duine …?” There is a special system of numbers…

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‘Bléinbheart’ go ‘Zeitibheart’  — Cineálacha Beart agus Beartanna i nGaeilge Posted by on Aug 14, 2015

(le Róislín) When I first thought of this blog topic, I thought I’d just do types of clothing, like “bléinbheart” and “coisbheart.”  But then I figured we might as well do “an banana iomlán.”  If we’re in for a “pingin,” we may as well be in for a “punt.”  Or actually, as the more traditional…

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Arbhar (Indiach): Toradh, Glasra, nó Grán — or all three? Posted by on Oct 31, 2013

(le Róislín) We’ve just been discussing whether pumpkins and other edible plants are fruits or vegetables.  Another seasonal item is “arbhar Indiach,” as it is referred to in Irish, or simply “corn” in American English. Let’s look first at the term “arbhar Indiach,” which literally means “Indian corn.”  But “Indian corn” means different things in…

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Bean an Tuíodóra (The Wife of the Thatcher) Posted by on Apr 11, 2013

(le Róislín) Well, no, this blog is not going to be about the late Margaret Hilda Thatcher, An Banbharún Thatcher (13 Deireadh Fómhair 1925-8 Aibreán 2013).  She actually only acquired the name “Thatcher” through marriage, having been born a “Roberts.”  While it’s interesting to ponder the origin of the surname “Thatcher” in England, and the…

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Meaitseáil Na Téarmaí (Téarmaí Shéasúr na Nollag) Posted by on Dec 29, 2011

(le Róislín) We’ve had lots of vocabulary lately, much of which might be new to many readers.  So how about a little review, matching the holiday concept or item to the holiday involved?  The holidays will be listed in Colún A and the items and concepts in Colún B.  And once again, for the dúshlán…

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Maidir le Dreoilíní Posted by on Dec 26, 2011

(le Róislín) Wren Day has become increasingly well-known outside of Ireland, ever since the Clancy Brothers recorded “The Wran (i.e. Wren) Song” in 1955.  Groups as diverse as Steeleye Span and the Chieftains have added to the musical legacy of the wren festivities.  Well, festive for everyone except an dreoilín.  Ar an dea-uair, the wrens…

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