I was hoping someone would be willing to help me. I'm interested in learning Gaelic, and I was hoping someone would give some advice on where to begin. Aside from useless 2 day language tapes, I havent found any way to learn. Also, I would really appreciate it if someone could translate "burning hand" and " my honor is my life" seperately. Thank you much

A Bhalor a chara,

Cá bhfuil tú i do chónaí? Where do you live?

Burning Hand? = Lámh Loiscneach (I think)..sounds sorta like 'lawv lish-knuck' maybe.

Ádh mór ort (Good luck)
'Fintan'

P.S. Watch out where ye point that evil eye o' yourn, eh? *grin*

Heh, I'll try not to look directly at you.
I live in Michigan, USA, what about you?
Mostly irish in ancestry, and do historical re-enactment.
I did a previous search for burning hand, and found losgadh for burning and lam for hand. Is that old irish, or maybe scot gaelic? And i guess hand would go before burning in gaelic?

All I know of Gaelic now is how to say Slainte
I really appreciate your help
-the evil eye

A Bhalor a chara,

Táim i mo chónaí san Astráil. I live in Australia.

As I said, I'm not TOTALLY sure about the translation I offered you. I've only been learning for about 5 years. But then again, 'sinne tósaitheoirí uile' [we're all beginners].

A few helpful phrases:

Thanks/ Thank you : Go raibh maith agat [sounds like: gorruv mah uggat]

Goodbye: Slán or Slán agat / leat

Dear [enter name here]: A [enter name here], a chara,

Try and get to one of Daltai's events like a weekend course etc. They are doing excellent work.


Mise le meas [Yours sincerely]

Fintan Uí Bradán

A Bholar, a chara:

I've been at this for about a year, now. I live in rural North Carolina and have virtually NO class room access in my region. Two books have been VERY helpful to me. One is very academic in its approach (Learing Irish by Micheal O'Siadhal) and the other is more conversational (Teach Yourself Irish). Whichever you choose, GET THE TAPES that accompany them. You'll never make sense of the spelling and pronunciation, otherwise.

There is another book out called Gaeilge Agus Failte, but I haven't received mine yet. From all accounts, however, it is very good. You can do a search on this forum under "Cursa Nua" (New Course) and all the ordering info is right there. I've had NO success with Barnes & Noble, Walden Books et al so you may need to call Ireland to order it. The points of contact are available on the aforementioned posting.

The other option is to attend a local (by local I mean in the US as opposed to Ireland) immersion weekend. I have not had the chance, yet but do plan to attend one this year.

This is the most wonderful language that I've grown to love to hate. It's difficult, the grammar rules are confoundingly complex, phonetic pronuciation is beyond reason for a native English speaker---In other words---IT's GREAT!!!

Adh mor ort,

Le meas,

James

A Shéamais, a chara (Dear James),

Have you had no luck getting "Gaeilge agus Fáilte"? Just ring Áine at Gael-Linn and get it shipped out direct. It IS only about a month off the press, so distribution will still be a bit slow. I've had it and the tapes now for about two weeks, and I have not come across a better resource for adult learners.

Do sheirbhíseach,
'Fintan'

A Fhintan, (does lenition apply in this case?)

Busy schedule at work and the time difference from Eire to the U.S. has kept me from ordering. I got your posting with the phone numbers and will order my copy as soon as things slow down here.

I've heard nothing but good things about this newest resource, so I am very anxious to get my own copy.

Thanks for your assistance.

Le meas,

James

As noted in another posting, I've received my copy of Gaeilge Agus Failte and it is FANTASTIC. I find if to be a nice blend of the two earlier mentioned texts/tapes. What I really like is that the author (authors?) have taken the time to explain why things are the way they are--things like contractions that have come to be words of their own. They also give regional variations of the same phrases and give a variety of ways that a given question might be asked. Definitely put this one on your shopping list. I had to call Ireland to get it, however, so see the Cursa Nua posting on how to order.

Le meas,

James