Learning the Irish language alphabet is a crucial step in mastering Irish (Gaeilge), a Goidelic language of the Celtic language family, primarily spoken in Ireland. The Irish alphabet, based on the Latin script, has some unique characteristics distinct from English. Understanding this alphabet is essential for reading, writing, and speaking in Irish. Here’s a detailed lesson to guide you through the Irish alphabet:

Overview of the Irish Alphabet

• Number of Letters: 18
• Script: Latin
• Unique Features: Does not include the letters j, k, q, v, w, x, y, z, which are used only in foreign words.

The Letters of the Irish Alphabet

1. A, a

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘a’ in “father” or ‘a’ in “cat.”
   • Example: “athair” (father).

2. B, b

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘b’ in “bed.”
   • Example: “bád” (boat).

3. C, c

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘c’ in “cat.”
   • Example: “cathair” (city).

4. D, d

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘d’ in “dog.”
   • Example: “doras” (door).

5. E, e

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘e’ in “bed” or ‘ey’ in “they.”
   • Example: “éire” (Ireland).

6. F, f

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘f’ in “far.”
   • Example: “fear” (man).

7. G, g

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘g’ in “go.”
   • Example: “gairdín” (garden).

8. H, h

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘h’ in “hat.”
   • Example: “hata” (hat). Note: ‘h’ is also used to indicate lenition.

9. I, i

   • Pronunciation: Like ‘i’ in “bit” or ‘ee’ in “see.”
   • Example: “inis” (island).

10. L, l

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘l’ in “lamp.”
    • Example: “leabhar” (book).

11. M, m

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘m’ in “moon.”
    • Example: “madra” (dog).

12. N, n

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘n’ in “noon.”
    • Example: “nua” (new).

13. O, o

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘o’ in “or” or ‘o’ in “top.”
    • Example: “óg” (young).

14. P, p

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘p’ in “pan.”
    • Example: “peann” (pen).

15. R, r

    • Pronunciation: A rolled ‘r’ as in Spanish or Italian.
    • Example: “rí” (king).

16. S, s

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘s’ in “sun.”
    • Example: “sliabh” (mountain).

17. T, t

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘t’ in “top.”
    • Example: “tír” (land).

18. U, u

    • Pronunciation: Like ‘u’ in “put” or ‘oo’ in “moon.”
    • Example: “ubh” (egg).

Pronunciation Tips

• Broad and Slender Consonants: In Irish, consonants are categorized as “broad” (leathan) or “slender” (caol), which affects their pronunciation. Broad consonants (accompanied by ‘a,’ ‘o,’ ‘u’) are pronounced more gutturally, while slender consonants (accompanied by ‘e,’ ‘i’) are palatalized.
• Vowels: Vowels can be short or long, and their length can alter the meaning of words.
• Lenition (Séimhiú): Indicated by an ‘h’ after the consonant, it softens the consonant sound. For example, “b” in “bád” (boat) vs. “bh” in “bhean” (woman).
• Eclipsis (Urú): This occurs when one consonant is placed in front of another, changing its pronunciation. For example, “b” in “bád” vs. “mb” in “mbád” (boats).

Practice Exercises

• Listening and Speaking: Practice saying words and phrases out loud. Listening to native speakers and repeating after them is crucial.
• Writing Practice: Write down words using each letter to familiarize yourself with the alphabet.
• Reading Practice: Start with simple texts in Irish to get used to how letters form words and sentences.

Additional Resources

• Language Learning Apps: Look for apps that offer Irish language courses.
• Online Tutorials: Websites and YouTube channels may provide lessons in Irish.
• Language Exchange: Engage with native speakers through language exchange platforms for conversational practice.

Conclusion

Mastering the Irish alphabet is the first step towards fluency in the language. Regular practice in speaking, listening, reading, and writing is essential for effective learning. Ádh mór ort! (Good luck!)