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 - Ni hea
Hello - Dia dhuit
Goodbye - Slan agat / Slan leat
Please - Mas e do thoil e / Le do thoil
Thank you - Go raibh maith agat
My name is... - is ainm dom
How are you? - Conas ta tu? / Cen chaoi a bfhuil tu? / Caide mar ata tu?
I'm very well - Ta me go hanmhaith
I feel ill - Ta tinneas orm
How much does it cost? - An mo ata air? / Ce mheid air seo?
Do you speak English? - An labhrann tu Bearla?
I don't understand - Ni thuigim
Where is ...? - Ca bfhuil ...?
Entrance - Bealach isteach
Exit - ealu
Danger - Baol
Open - Oscailte
Closed - Dunta
Toilets - Seomra folctha
Doctor - Dochtuir
Hotel - Ostan
Restaurant - Bialann
Beer - Beoir
Wine - Fion
Menu - Biachlar
Today - Inniu
Tomorrow -Amarach
