Advertisement

We need your help now

Support from readers like you keeps The Journal open.

You are visiting us because we have something you value. Independent, unbiased news that tells the truth. Advertising revenue goes some way to support our mission, but this year it has not been enough.

If you've seen value in our reporting, please contribute what you can, so we can continue to produce accurate and meaningful journalism. For everyone who needs it.

Leah Farrell/RollingNews.ie

The Irish For You don't need improving... but how about learning some Gaeilge in 2019?

New Bliain, New You.

This the latest dispatch from our columnist Darach Ó Séaghdha, author of the award-winning and bestselling Motherfoclóir. Every week, Darach will be regaling (re-Gaeling?) us with insights on what the Irish language says about Ireland, our society, our past and our present. Enjoy.

A STRONG CONTENDER for my favourite Irish word is rún- it means a secret, a love, a secret love, or a promise. It can also mean a resolution – a promise to one’s self, a secret declaration of self love.

The Irish for a new year’s resolution is Rún na hAthbhliana. Amidst all the pressures of the holiday period and the worries, both global and private, of the new year, it’s important to remember that you -yes, you – are doing great.

That problem you had two years ago, the one you worried about every day – you fixed it and you never think about it anymore, and in two years time, that’s what the problem that prickles you now will feel like.

You don’t need to be improved.

However, if you want to make a plan to fix something in your life that doesn’t make you happy, a new year is as good a time as any.

Bliain na Gaeilge may be over, but 2019 will be a personal year of Irish for those hundreds of people who make a resolution to revisit the language, possibly after years of neglect.

But where can they start? This week I’d like to suggest a few online and offline resources that might start you on your way.

daltai.com – this is a learner’s resource with verb tables, grammar guides and even a database of proverbs (seanfhocail).

teanglann.ie – this website allows you to search the three major dictionaries (the 1959 English to Irish, the 1977 Irish to English and the 1991 Irish foclóir) at the same time, and includes audio pronunciations of most words in the three major dialects. There’s an app that works offline too.

focloir.ie is the most recent English to Irish dictionary, with more up to date terms and example sentences – it also has an offline app.

nos.ie now that you have the learning resources to hand, you want to find some good reading content to get stuck into. Nós is an online magazine with articles on a range of lifestyle topics – Northern Irish Tayto versus 353 Tayto, podcast reviews, cartoons by the brilliant @ciaraioch and saucy scéalta from the irrepressible Cailín sa Chathair (girl in the city) only scratches the surface.

An Siopa Leabhar – if you’re anxious about your level of Irish, the Irish language bookshop on Harcourt Street will put you at your ease. The helpful team there will be only delighted to recommend a book that’s at your level which fits in with your interests. You might also like @BooksAsGaeilge on Twitter.

gaelchultur.com run evening classes for total beginners as well as those returning to Irish. If this doesn’t suit your location or schedule, DCU have a well-regarded online course.

BAE – Beo Ar Éigean is a podcast as Gaeilge from RTÉ in which three smart, funny young women chat about pretty much everything – social media, “the fear” after a night out, feminism, fashion – everything except the school curriculum and debates about state policies on translation, really. It’s available wherever you get your podcasts.

Raidió na Life – if you haven’t checked out Dublin’s Irish language radio station yet, it’s worth giving it a spin – there’s a excellent selection of music shows, such as Ola Majekodunmi’s Seinnliosta an tSathairn, as well as news and chat, like Peadar Ó Caomhánaigh’s Ardchathair.

Nine Arrow – Finally, if you want to see more Irish in your timeline, Catherine Geaney is a talented artist and Irish language enthusiast who uses Facebook and Instagram to share her illustrations of Irish words. 

Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone...
A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation.

Close
39 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic. Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy here before taking part.
Leave a Comment
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Liz Giltinane
    Favourite Liz Giltinane
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 2:32 PM

    Bill Gates does amazing work for the third world, so not a bad person to see topping the list.

    68
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Julian King
    Favourite Julian King
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 4:10 PM

    I’m sure he could be doing more if he’s got 59 billion in his account.

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris lynch
    Favourite Chris lynch
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 4:31 PM

    @Julian – he is givening most of it away to Charities in his will.

    31
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Paul Murphy
    Favourite Paul Murphy
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 1:55 PM

    I’m pretty sure theres a couple of electricians working for the ESB that should be on the list…

    53
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute John
    Favourite John
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 1:38 PM

    But are they happy….?

    32
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris lynch
    Favourite Chris lynch
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 1:56 PM

    ya

    30
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Mike Reid
    Favourite Mike Reid
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 1:57 PM

    Bill looks happy :)

    40
    See 2 more replies ▾
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Wujashtop
    Favourite Wujashtop
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 4:11 PM

    I’ve met David Koch many times… Nice guy and yes he’s happy.

    10
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Finglas
    Favourite Simon Finglas
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 6:07 PM

    No, but they can cry in their $200m yacht!

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Angels Spain
    Favourite Angels Spain
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 1:36 PM

    Hmm that can’t be right! Where is the president of Ireland on that list ?????????

    12
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Mc Carthy
    Favourite Thomas Mc Carthy
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 11:21 PM

    You know what is sickening those five people have more than 250 billion of the worlds resources. How many lives could they save, how could they make the world a better place if they gave even half of it away. Everything that’s wrong with the world is manifested in that list, pure greed.

    9
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Simon Power
    Favourite Simon Power
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 6:22 PM

    Warren Buffett is also heavily involved in the Gates Foundation and has allowed his name to be put on Obama’s new tax measures that intend to close tax loop holes for the mega wealthy. It will never pass gestation but it has good intentions.

    Lest we also forget that Gates was a ruthless cut throat towards his competitors even by American standards. I guess he wants to repent or polish his legacy or both.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Julian King
    Favourite Julian King
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 4:56 PM

    No time like the present, why doesn’t he donate ten or twenty billion now, I’m sure he’ll survive.

    6
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Thomas Mc Carthy
    Favourite Thomas Mc Carthy
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 11:22 PM

    You the man

    1
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Aydo
    Favourite Aydo
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 2:04 PM

    In all seriousness, who cares?

    5
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Chris lynch
    Favourite Chris lynch
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 3:44 PM

    You seem you care – you didn’t have to click the link to the story if you didn’t care

    37
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute ponythegringo
    Favourite ponythegringo
    Report
    Sep 23rd 2011, 2:24 AM

    I can’t believe David Hasselhof didn’t make it into the top ten…?

    He must be drinking more than I thought.

    2
    Install the app to use these features.
    Mute Jonathan Hayes
    Favourite Jonathan Hayes
    Report
    Sep 22nd 2011, 6:19 PM

    David Koch only has $25? I might have more!

    1
Submit a report
Please help us understand how this comment violates our community guidelines.
Thank you for the feedback
Your feedback has been sent to our team for review.

Leave a commentcancel

 
JournalTv
News in 60 seconds