The Irish Republic's first official language is Irish Gaelic (Gaelige) - referred to as 'Irish' - member of the Celtic language family.
The last ten years have seen a resurgence of interest in Irish, now promoted by Bord na Gaelige (the Irish Language Board) and taught at several Dublin universities. Irish children are taught Irish throughout their schooling career and must sit (but not necessarily pass) Irish during their leaving certificate.
While only 35% of adults in Ireland profess a knowledge of Irish, the language spills over into Dubliners' English. The eighteen-letter Irish alphabet has no 'th' sound; thus 'three' becomes 'tree'. Dublin accents vary from that of a gurrier (said to have derived from 'guerrier' or 'fighter') to the Dortspeak (from the area served by the DART trains) - the 'refined' drawl of Trinity College students.
Phrases
Yes - Sea
No - Ní hea
Hello - Dia dhuit
Goodbye - Slán agat / Slán leat
Please - Más é do thoil é / Le do thoil
Thank you - Go raibh maith agat
My name is... - is ainm dom
How are you? - Conas tá tú? / Cén chaoi a bfhuil tú? / Caidé mar atá tú?
I'm very well - Tá mé go hanmhaith
I feel ill - Tá tinneas orm
How much does it cost? - An mó atá air? / Cé mhéid air seo?
Do you speak English? - An labhrann tú Béarla?
I don't understand - Ní thuigim
Where is ...? - Cá bfhuil ...?
Entrance - Bealach isteach
Exit - éalú
Danger - Baol
Open - Oscailte
Closed - Dúnta
Toilets - Seomra folctha
Doctor - Dochtúir
Hotel - Óstan
Restaurant - Bialann
Beer - Beoir
Wine - Fíon
Menu - Biachlár
Today - Inniu
Tomorrow -Amárach
