so, I have heard at least 3 different pronunciations of this word. I am assuming they are dialect based. Could anyone please identify which dialect goes with which pronunciation?
Oh, and our trip is in 2 weeks- Cork, Kerry, and Claire. I've learned a bit of Irish. Maybe I'll get to use it!
My wife's Cork cousins say Slawn-sha. I've also heard Slant cha but I don't remember where.
According to: http://www.smo.uhi.ac.uk/gaeilge/gramadach/canuinti.html
"Roughly speaking we usually reckon there are three main dialect groupings
Munster in the south (the most important of these dialects today is probably the Irish of the Corca Dhuibhne peninsula in Kerry/Ciarraí, near Dingle/Daingean Uí Chúise),
Connacht in the west (the dialect of northern Connacht, that of Mayo/Maigh Eo, shows however many similarities to Ulster)
Ulster in the North"
A potentially useful site for pronunciation: http://www.teanglann.ie/en/fuaim/
Hope you have a great trip and that you drop back by to tell us all about it!
Edited to correct Link
-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Monday 8th of August 2016 05:41:22 PM
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Bob
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Well, now I've got 4 pronunciations. Slan-cha, slan-sha (is that what you wrote; I can't see the original post), slan-te, and one where both the a and I are pronounced, something like sla-een-te. Well, the first one is what we've always heard, so I guess we'll be okay with that!
Problem is, if you only know a few words and phrases as my Irish born mother taught me and use them in Ireland, the reply might be in the Irish language and you won't no what they are saying. But it's fun to do it, then explain that's all you know of the language. The Irish will appreciate you for trying and enjoy it.
From what I understand, in Munster, the majority of Irish Emersion schools are in Dingle and Waterford and they each have slightly different dialects. To get a Passing Grade on the Leaving Cert, each student has to demonstrate proficiency in reading, writing and speaking Irish. Once the pass, many never again use that language. That is certainly true for my acquaintances, at least.
No matter the pronunciation, I doubt if many will 'slag' you for it -- though they MIGHT 'correct' you! If so, it's nearly always done in fun and just part of the craic!
Enjoy!
-- Edited by Itallian Chauffeur on Wednesday 10th of August 2016 09:44:28 PM
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Bob
Help Us to Help You. The more you tell us about your plans (dates, interests, budget), the better we can tailor our advice to suit!