An Chaint. The Talk.
We have a language to save. It’s in big trouble. But we can save it. Mix the Irish you know in with English & grow it by degrees. IS féidir! Tabhair faoi. You can! Go for it!
Labhair í. Speak it. The CHALLENGE is to speak it. That can be a mental barrier to break for many people who are not used to doing this so start with one phrase for a week. It is easier for foreigners to do this as they have none of the emotional baggage that often comes with this in Ireland. Yes, you CAN do this abroad. Create you own Gaeltacht wherever you are. Lots of people speak lots of different languages in other countries. Empower yourself and discover how many have thrown away that baggage. Irish is thriving, even in the cities. Begin to join in and you’ll find it. Use phrases you know and you can stay in English for everything else. Don’t push too hard. Each week add another phrase. Persist. You can do this. Watch your Gaeilge grow. Have fun with it. #AnChaint
Listen for help here: Audio & flashcards Months 1-5
Month 1: ALWAYS say the phrase (or an equivalent you know) at the appropriate moment.
Week 1: Conas atá tú? How are you?
Week 2: Seo duit. Here you are, when giving stuff.
Week 3: Slán. Bye.
Week 4: Go raibh maith agat. Thanks.
Go maith! Good! The first step is the hardest but it’s a mental one. People will know what you mean. People are fond of Irish. They’ll be surprised but give them a little time to see you’re serious about doing this. Smile. Pat yourself on the back when the first week is over. That was the hardest part. Now it gets easy.
Report your success with the hashtag #AnChaint
Month 2: The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment.
Week 1: Aon scéal? Any news?
Week 2: Diabhal scéal. No news.
Week 3: Deoch uait? Would like a drink?
Week 4: Gabh mo leithscéal. Excuse me.
Led’ thoil means Please. Are you feeling ceart go leor? Ok?
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Month 3: The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment.
Week 1: Drochaimsir Bad weather. or Lá Breá A fine day.
Week 2: Tabhair aire Take care (can be used as a form of Goodbye)
Week 3: Caithfidh mé imeacht. I have to leave.
Week 4: Slán abhaile. Safe home (form of Goodbye).
TIP: Try adding iontach wonderful, togha meaning great – rhymes with now, and fáilte (welcome) into your conversation too, if people start to answer you as Gaeilge. If all this is far too easy, try Dheara, ní ag ceasacht ar Dhia é It (the weather) is not God’s fault. Yeah, that last one is only for the super fluent! Sorry. Leave it until later.
Month 4 The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment.
Week 1: An bhfuil tú gaolta le…? Are you related to…? Tá/Níl.
Week 2: An bhfuil baint agat le ….? Do you have anything to do with …? Tá/Níl.
Week 3: ‘Bhfuil tú i do chónaí anseo le fada? Are you living here long?
Week 4: Le seacht mbliain anuas. For seven years now. Or Mo shaol ar fad. My whole life. Or Ó 1991 or whatever year works for you.
Remember, where there’s a bhfuil, there’s a tá or a níl 😉 No Ach. No But.
Month 5 The challenge is to ALWAYS say these phrases at the appropriate moment.
Week 1: Dáiríre? Really? or Meas tú? You think?
Week 2: Ná habair é! No way! or A dhiabhal! God!
Week 3. Tá sé fíor. It’s true. or Sin a chloisim. That’s what I hear.
4: Scannalach! Scandalous! or Is mór an trua é. What a shame! or Éad orm! I’m jealous!
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Month 6 The challenge is to ALWAYS say these phrases at the appropriate moment.
Week 1 Cé tusa? Who are you?
Week 2 Is mise…. I’m ….
Week 3 Cé mo dhuine? Who’s yer one? Who IS that person?
Week 4 Cén fáth? Why?
Sin é! That’s it! Mo bhuachaill = My boy (or boyfriend).
At this stage, I can’t fit all the phrases on a tree. See how fast the language grows! ____________________________________________________________________________
Month 7
Week 1 Mar dhea. As if!
Week 2 Is cuma liom. I don’t care.
Week 3 Ná bac. Don’t bother.
Week 4 Imigh leat. Clear off!
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Month 8
Week 1 Ar aon nós. Anyway.
Week 2 Ba mhaith liom imeacht... I’d like to leave.
Week 3 Nach cuma? What does it matter?
Week 4 Tabhair faoi. Go for it.
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Month 9
Week 1 Seas an fód. Stand your ground.
Week 2 Ná géill. Don’t give in.
Week 3 Cothrom na féinne. Fair play.
Week 4 Sin é. That’s it.
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Month 10
Week 1 Fág an bealach. Clear the way.
Week 2 Lig do scíth. Relax.
Week 3 Sceitimíní orm. I’m excited looking forward to it.
Week 4 Táim ar bís. I’m thrilled.
Maith thú! Well done!
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Month 11
Week 1 Comhghairdeas. Congratulations.
Week 2 Breithlá Sona. Happy Birthday.
Week 3 Tae uait? Do you want some tea?
Week 4 Bob nó bia? Trick or treat?
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Month 12
Week 1 Éasca péasca. Easy peasy.
Week 2 Is féidir. It CAN be done.
Week 3 Nollaig Shona. Happy Christmas.
Week 4 Athbhliain faoi mhaise. Happy New Year.
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Labhair í. Mix it in with English and grow it by degrees. IS féidir! Tabhair faoi. Go for it!
