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The Daltaí Boards » Archive: 1999-2004 » 2002 (July-December) » Epitaph translation « Previous Next »

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Nicole E.
Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 01:58 am:   Edit Post Print Post

Hello! I don't speak any gaelic, but would ask for a bit of help in making an accurate translation. On my father's headstone we would like to inscribe the phrase "Those whom the Gods love die young" He was very involved in researching his ancestry and took pride in his Irish heritage. He was able to trace our lineage at least back to it's American beginnings around 1850. I would greatly appreciate any input! Thank you!

Nicole

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James
Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 11:23 am:   Edit Post Print Post

Nicole, a cara,

My sincere condolences for your loss. Recently, someone got rather offended with us because we didn't respond quickly to a request. I don't want that situation to repeat itself so I'll give it a shot. I'm making a meager attempt so please, don't get this engraved until someone has corrected it.

An grá Dé orthu, síothlaigh óg.

Literally, this would be "The love of God upon them, they die young." Again, I'm new to this language and I may be off not only in what you want but in what I think I'm saying. Wait until one of the native speakers or more advanced people answers. (Hint: If it comes from Aonghus, Fintan, Larry or Colm it's about as accurate as it's going to get. This isn't to say others aren't accurate, those are just the names that come immediately to my mind.)

Give us a few days and we'll get you taken care of. Again, my condolences.

Le meas,

James

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Nixie76
Posted on Thursday, August 22, 2002 - 11:11 pm:   Edit Post Print Post

Thank you for responding so quickly! I certainly wouldn't have taken offense if you took your time responding, you are doing me the favor! I will write down your suggestion, and keep an eye out for the names you mentioned as well. I was wondering, if it wouldnt be too much trouble, would you tell me how I would pronounce it? maybe write it phonetically (if people ask what it says, i would like to be able to respond in both languages) Thank you so much again! I was so happy to see a response!
-Nicole

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James
Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 10:37 am:   Edit Post Print Post

A cara,

Ahhh, my pronunciation is worse than my translation!!! I'll try, though. There are some whiz-bang teachers on this site, though so PLEASE don't take my attempts as gospel until you've heard from some other. I left out another name that you can also "hang your hat" on, Seosamh. Between Aonghus and Seosamh I'm gradually (and I can't stress the word gradually enough) getting the hang of this. If they chime in you can take it to the bank!

An grá Dé orthu, síothlaigh óg

(ahn grah day oru sila ohg)

Le meas,

James

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Nixi76
Posted on Friday, August 23, 2002 - 06:42 pm:   Edit Post Print Post

James,
Once again, thank you for the input. Doing some research last night I did come across a very basic one page lesson on gaelic pronounciation. I don't think it's meant as a be-all end-all for pronounciation, but I found it very interesting, and fairly easy to understand.

http://www.standingstones.com/gaelpron.html

-Nicole

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Nixi76
Posted on Saturday, August 24, 2002 - 01:50 am:   Edit Post Print Post

Well I just can't get enough of reading these forums. I've spent the last two hours reading through the last 2 months of postings. Given how badly the last request for an epitaph translation went, I'm suprised you even considered offering me a translation!!
I am inspired to try learning gaelic. After all, my father's heritage would be my heritage as well. Would you know if there is a way to translate names? Like my son, I know he would be Coileán (Collin) but is there a proper way of saying my daughter's name, Chlóe? I hope you don't mind all my questions!
Thanks,
Nicole (wonder if theres an Irish way of saying that)

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James
Posted on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 10:05 am:   Edit Post Print Post

A Cara,

I'm definitely NOT the one to tackle the name translations! You'll need to get some input from the rest of the crowd. I'm suprised the native speakers havent' chimed in. Give us a bit more time and we'll get things squared away for you.

Regarding learning Gaeilge. You are definitely on the right site for that. This has been an invaluable resource for me (but do bear in mind I am very new at this game). I would encourage to to visit the site often and when you feel energetic, tackle a learn at home course. It's tons of fun and very rewarding (culturally speaking)

Le meas,

James

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Larry
Posted on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 01:53 pm:   Edit Post Print Post

Nicole & James, a chairde,

Nicole, a chara, my condolences on your recent loss. I'm afraid that I can't really elaborate on James' reply to your original request above, except to say that I'm not generally in favour of "translating" proper nouns like names of people. It's purely a personal thing with me, but I believe you should stay with the name you have (Nicole's a beautiful name anyway). My own name, Larry, is a diminutive of Lawrence, the Irish "equivalent" being Labhrás - both words meaning basically the same thing.

James, a chara, I notice that you've stopped adding a séimhiú to the vocative. Is this intentional, my friend, or a typo? I'm not nitpicking - merely curious :)

Le meas,
Larry.

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James
Posted on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 03:09 pm:   Edit Post Print Post

A typo would be the best answer even if it's not completely truthful. What would be the mental equivalent?? Brain-o?? We used to call them brain farts, but that may be too base for this cultured crowd!

Thanks for picking up on it--nothing like adult supervision to keep the kids on track!!!

Nicole, see what I mean?? This site is GREAT!!! How can you NOT learn Irish with guys like this around!??!

Le meas,

James

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