I learned in LI that the present tense of the copula in certain forms added a 'b' in front of the third person pronouns. These forms are "ab", "gurb" and "marab" (otherwise they are respectively "ar", "gur" and "mara"). I was just wondering if this holds true as well for any vowel initial word directly following the copula. For example would write "Ab úlla é seo" or "Ar úlla é seo"? Would "Ní" prefix an h in this case, as it normally does for third person pronouns?

Also, Ó Siadhail at one point writes the pronunciation of "gur" as /gər/ and "gurb" as /gurb/. Hmmm... seems quite unlikely to me that these two forms would be pronounced with a different vowel. I think most likely it must be a misprint in the book, yet again. So, what is the correct pronunciation of "gur" and "gurb"?

Slán!

Éamonn Ó Dónaill indicates in his text Irish Grammar,

quote:

gurb*

*Often used before a vowel. Note, however, that gur is used before a noun with an initial vowel, e.g. Dúirt sí gur Astrálach é (She said that he is an Australian)

Foclóir Scoile indicates that the "u" in both gur and gurbh is pronounced ə

(Message edited by mac_léinn on June 23, 2007)

quote:

I learned in LI that the present tense of the copula in certain forms added a 'b' in front of the third person pronouns.

It is a local phenomenon in some dialects, .i. it is not universal.

quote:

"Ab úlla é seo" or "Ar úlla é seo"?

Your question is a misconception. Even if a dialect uses "ab" in these situations it is copula of present tense. "ar" is a past tense copula. The corresponding form of past copula in front of vowel is "arbh", not "ab"!

As far as I know, in Cois Fhairrge, "ar" is also used in the present tense. Just have a look at LI...