Unfamiliar features of Gaeilge to English speakers.
It is quite common for features that are not present in the English language to cause a degree of difficulty to learners.
A key objective of AbairLeat! is to deal comprehensively with these features so that learners become both comfortable and familiar with them.
The syntax of Gaeilge is rather different English.
English is a Subject-Verb-Object (SVO) language. It has a sentance structure where the subject comes first, the verb second, and the object third.
Séan watched television. Gaeilge Verb-Subject-Object (VSO) language Bhreathnaigh Séan ar an teilifís
Gaeilge shares with other Celtic languages a feature known as mutation,(urú agus seimhiú) whereby initial consonants may change to express nuances of grammatical relationship and meaning. Mutation affects verbs, nouns and adjectives.
In Gaeilge, there are two classes of initial consonant mutation
1) Lenition (séimhiú “softening”) means “softening” or “weakening”. It is shown in writing by adding a h i.e caith – chaith , ceann – dhá cheann, bí – bhí, dún – dhún
2) Eclipsis ( urú). These are shown in writing by placing:
an m before the initial consonant b bord – ar an mbord
a g before the initial consonant c cathaoir – faoin gcathaoir
an n before the initial consonant d dath – seacht ndath
an bh before the initial consonant f fuinneog – tríd an bhfuinneog
an n before the initial consonant g Gaillimh – i nGaillimh
a b before the initial consonant p píopa — as an bpíopa
Another feature that is shared with other Celtic languages is the use of prepositional pronouns (forainmneacha réamhfhoclacha), which are essentially conjugated prepositions (11 in all).
For example,
the word for “at” is ag, which in the first person singular becomes agam “at me”.
the word for “on” is ar, which in the first person singular becomes orm “on me”.
the word for “with” is le, which in the first person singular becomes liom “with me”.
the word for “to” is do, which in the first person singular becomes dom “to me”.
No words for “yes” and “no”. Gaeilge has no words for “yes” and “no”. The answer to a question contains a repetition of the verb, either with or without a negative particle.
An gcloiseann tú mé? Cloisim / Ní Chloisim Do you hear me? Yes / No
Ar thaithin se leat? Thaitin / Níor thaitin Did you enjoy it? Yes / No
An rachaidh tú ann? Rachaidh / Ní rachaidh Will you go there? Yes / No
An gceapfá é? Cheapfainn / Ní cheapfainn Would you think so? Yes / No
Ar shiúl tú anseo? Shiúl / Níor shiúl Did you walk here? Yes / No
An íosfaidh tú ceann? Íosfaidh / Ní íosfaidh Will you eat one? Yes / No
Irregular Verbs
Gaeilge has only 11 irregular verbs which is much less than most other modern languages. However, they are amongst the most commonly used verbs in everyday dialogue. Their irregular format combined with overall difficulties learners encounter with using verbs in general can be confusing. Abair Leat! pays special attention in trying to demonstrate the proper use of irregular verbs.
Two forms of the verb “to be”
Gaeilge has two forms of the verb “to be”
1) “Bí” is used to describe locations – conditions – actions –and emotional states.
An raibh tú ar scoil ? Bhí / Ní raibh Were you at school ? Yes / No
An bhfuil sé ag báisteach? Tá / Níl Is it raining? Yes / No
An mbíonn tú ag siúl? Bíonn / Ní bhíonn Do you walk? Yes / No
An mbeidh tú sásta? Beidh Ní Bheidh Will you be happy? Yes / No
2) The copula “Is” is used to identify people / things
Céard é? (buachaill) Is buachaill é. What is he? ( a boy) He’s a boy
Céard é? ( madra) Is madra é What is it? ( a dog) It’s a dog
An buachaill é? ‘Sea(Is buachaill é.) / Ní hea(Ní buachaill é.) Is it a boy? Yes / No
An madra é? ‘Sea(Is madra é.) / Ní hea(Ní madra é.) Is it a dog? Yes / No
N.B. ‘Sea means “It is”. It does not mean “Yes”
In Gaeilge, certain verbs such as ‘to like’ / “to remember” / “to prefer” / “ to not mind” are expressed using the copula “Is”
An maith leat …? Is maith / Ní maith Do you like …..? Yes / No
An cuimhin leat …? Is cuimhin / Ní cuimhin Do you remember …..? Yes / No
An fearr leat …? Is fearr / Ní fearr Do you prefer …..? Yes / No
An cuma …? Is cuma / Ní cuma Do you not mind …..? Yes / No
Nouns in Gaeilge are either masculine or feminine.
While English nouns has four genders Masculine /Feminine / Common and neuter, nouns in Gaeilge they are either masculine or feminine.
NB Placing a definite article before a feminine noun causes the noun to take a séimhiú (h )
Bean – an bhean, farraige – an fharraige, cistin – an chistin
Masculine nouns remain unchanged.
Nouns in Gaeilge can be referred to as “he” or “she” but never “it”.
Tá sé (an lá) go breá
Tá sí (an aimsir) fliuch
Tá sé (an t-am) cúig a chlog
Bhí sí (an chraic) thar cionn.
Tá sí (an ghaoth) ag láidriú.
Tá sí (an fharraige) garbh inniu.
Tá sé (an bóthar) contúirteach.
Bhí sé (an béile) ar fheabhas
