Hi,

I'm new here and thought I'd use my first post to introduce myself...

My name is Jim Tozier (Jim Tozier is ainm dom?), and I'm a complete beginner with the Irish language. I've decided to make a commitment to learning it, however, and this site looks like an invaluable resource.

My interest in learning Irish is an attempt to connect with my Irish ancestry. I was named after my great-grandfather, James Hoban, who was born in Castlerea, County Roscommon.

I also hope that studying the language will increase my appreciation of Irish music. I'm a fingerstyle guitarist (see www.jimtozier.com), with a repertoire that includes many traditional Irish (and other Celtic) tunes. I'm currently working on my 5th CD, which will be another collection of Celtic music.

I started learning Irish about 6 weeks ago. I started with the Pimsleur "Quick and Simple Irish," because it was available at my local library. I found it frustrating, though, because I needed to see the words and the spellings. I've also tried the Teach Yourself Irish book/CD combo, but decided a more interactive approach would be better for me.

So now I'm using the BYKI program from Transparent Language, and I'm learning a lot of words and phrases fairly quickly. I love the combination of listening, speaking, reading, and writing that this interactive software provides. It's made learning quite enjoyable.

I also ordered TeachMe! Irish, and hope it is similarly effective. I plan to order the Rosetta Stone irish package as well, but I want to hear others' opinions first, to see if the cost is justified.

I'd love to hear recommendations for the most useful and effective resources for learning Irish. At the moment, I'm mostly looking for self-directed learning... but as soon as I have time, I'd love to take classes or lessons as well.

So, that's my story. I'm glad I found this site, and I'm looking forward to being part of the discussions here! For now, though, I'll mostly be reading rather than posting. I need to expand my vocabulary beyond colors, numbers, days of the week, etc.!

Is é do bheatha, a Jim! Fáilte romhat ar an bhFóram!

Jim,
You got yourself an English last name like me, but if you wonder about 'Jim', in Irish it is Séamus. I see you live in Atlanta. I lived in Murfreesboro, TN for two years. I am sure just about now the humidity (taise) is starting to kick in and there are strong thunderstorms (stoirmeacha thoirní), and the cicadas (ciocáidí) are "singing". Welcome! Fáilte romhat!

Hi Seán,

Thanks! I actually knew that Séamus = James, but I figured I'd use my English name just in case anyone here recognizes me because of my music.

Btw, my last name is French Canadian, although the pronunciation has been Anglicized so that it rhymes with "closure" rather than being said "toe-zhee-ay."

Yes, the humidity in Atlanta is pretty bad. I've only been in the area a few years (I'm originally from Maryland), but I'm already tired of it. On the other hand, Atlanta is pretty nice in the winter. :)

quote:

(I'm originally from Maryland)

Cén áit? I was born in Baltimore and lived my early years on rural route outside Westminster.

I grew up in Crofton (Anne Arundel County), but moved south to Calvert County after I got married.

I've spent a lot of time in Baltimore, though... I got my BA from UMBC, and my MA from Towson.

My wife grew up near Baltimore (Catonsville/Arbutus area), and most of her family still lives there.

Crofton, eh? Nach bhfuil an t-ádh ortsa!

Welcome, Jim! I am new here too. The people here have been very nice. I haven't been studying the language too long, myself, so if you know the days of the week then you are ahead of me. =-)

Thanks, Féileacán!

(By the way, féileacán is one of my favorite Irish words so far. I don't really care one way or the other about butterflies... I just like the way it sounds.)

Hi Jim

I don't think there is a better way to learn than going to classes so if that's a possibility then I would highly recommend it. The biggest challenge i have found learning from books is pronounciaton but got an excellent link to help from this site which is www.abair.ie (abair is the Irish word for say), although be mindful the pronounciations are Ulster Irish.

All the best with your studies
Damian

Fáilte romhat a Shéamus.Must say you have some selection of recordings.I have been known to pluck a few strings myself from time to time.
Beir bua agus Beannacht,T