Doubtful Sound, Gaelic Pronunciation Guide

Bear in mind, please, that I am a rank beginner in my study of the Irish language. The information listed below may change over time, but will always be as accurate as I am able to present. This page will be updated, also, as new words or names occur within the story.

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Inis Meáin: pronounced Inishmaan; the middle Aran Isle.

a chuisle: pronounced uh KWISH-luh; an endearment. Literally, my pulse, but could also be translated as my precious.

bean sì: pronounced BAHN-shee. Literally, a female spirit who warns of an impending death in the house, but in the context of the story, the character means a pestilent, wailing ghost of his granny, angry with him for not taking proper care of his sweater. (All you knitters should appreciate that one!)

céilì: pronounced KAY-lee. Still waiting on a literal translation, but for now think a party with music and dancing.

seisiún: go ahead and pronounce it session. A gathering of musicians, usually playing traditional repertoire. An impromptu jam session which may take place in a private home, or a social hall, or a pub, or a coffee shop. Sometimes these can get pretty rowdy…

anam cara: pronounced AHN-um CAH-ruh. Literally, soul friend or soul mate.

a cara: pronounced uh CAH-ruh. Means my friend.

póg mo thóin: pronounced POGUE muh HONE. Kiss my arse. The name The Pogues chose for themselves before they found out they would not get played on the radio with a name like that.

mensch: actually German. Literally means man, but the character is thinking more along along the lines of heterosexual stud muffin, whose bones she would very much like to jump if given half a chance.

bodhran: pronounced BOAR-uhn. Irish hand drum with goatskin head. Well-played, its pulse can drive you wild. Subtle, but present. It is said that only a man can master the proper handstroke for playing one. Since the beater is shaped like double-ended bod (see below), I’m inclined to wonder if perhaps the grip on the beater is similar to the grip on the bod when a fella is…er…um…I guess I don’t really have to paint a picture of where this thought is heading…solo...south of the border…[blush]

craic: pronounced crack. In context, the character means fun.

cuisle mo chroi: pronounced KWISH-luh muh KREE. Endearment, literally pulse of my heart. The character means it when he says it that first time, but is being a tad facetious, given what his woman has just said to him. (see póg mo thóin, above)

bean: BAHN. Woman.

bod: pronounced bud. That part of a man where some people are inclined to believe his brain is located. (Moral of this story: if you are ever in a pub Ireland that happens to serve Budweiser, do not order a Bud…)

tá grá agam duit: Pronounced TAH grah UG-im DITCH. Means I love you.

a ghrá: pronounced uh-GRAW. Literally, my love.

Fionn mac Cumhaill: pronounced Pronounced Finn McCool. A giant in Irish folklore.

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C.P. Warner
© 8 Aprl 2008

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