We have a language to save. It’s in big trouble. But we can save 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. You can stay in English for everything else. Each week add another phrase. Watch your Gaeilge grow. Have fun with it.
The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment. ANYWHERE. That’s the key.
Week 1: Conas atá tú? to start any conversation with anyone, anywhere. Yes, even with foreigners.
Week 2: Seo duit (when giving stuff). They’ll figure out what you mean.
Week 3: Slán (when leaving). Everyone knows that.
Week 4: Go raibh maith agat (for Thanks)
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 every time. Smile. Pat yourself on the back when the first week is over. That was the hardest part. Now it gets easy.
At the end of each week (or each day) let people know how you got on by tweeting with the hashtag #GrowGaeilge.
This blog will grow with more added each month ☺
Month 2:
The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment. ANYWHERE. That’s the key.
Week 1: Aon scéal? to start any conversation with anyone, anywhere. Yes, even with foreigners.
Week 2: Diabhal scéal when you want to say you have no news.
Week 3: Deoch uait? to ask if someone would like a drink.
Week 4: Gabh mo leithscéal to say Excuse me.
Month 3:
The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment. ANYWHERE. That’s the key.
Week 1: Drochaimsir (if the weather is bad) or Lá Breá (if it’s good).
Week 2: Dheara, ní ag ceasacht ar Dhia é. OK. Only if you are talking to a native speaker 😉
It means it’s not God’s fault.
Tabhair aire (Take care) will do. That’s easier.
Week 3: Caithfidh mé imeacht (to say you have to leave).
Week 4: Slán abhaile.
Try adding iontach (wonderful), togha ( meaning great – rhymes with now a), and fáilte (welcome) into your conversation too if people start to answer you as Gaeilge.
Mí 4
The challenge is to ALWAYS say this phrase at the appropriate moment. ANYWHERE. That’s the key.
Seachtain 1: An bhfuil tú gaolta le…? Are you related to…? Tá/Níl.
Seachtain 2: An bhfuil baint agat le ….? Do you have anything to do with …? Tá/Níl.
Seachtain 3: Bhfuil tú i do chónaí anseo le fada? Are you living here long?
Seachtain 4: Le …. bliain anuas. For … years now. or Mo shaol ar fad. My whole life.
Mí 5
Seachtaine 1: Dáiríre? Really? Meas tú? Your think?
Seachtain 2: Ná habair é! No way! A dhiabhal! God!
Seachtain 3. Tá sé fíor. It’s true. Sin a chloisim.That’s what I hear.
Seachtain 4: Scannalach! Scandalous! Is mór an trua é. What a pity!/ Éad orm! I’m jealous!
