Can someone clear up my confusion?

[tanya.bailey]

Hey all-
So I am taking an Irish anthropology class and we were discussing the area in western Ireland known as Gael Teacht. My professor said that in this instance gael is pronounced gwael. Is he misprounouncing the word or is this right? If it is right why is is prounonced with a "w" in this word but gaelic is not? I know that Irish gaelic and Scots gaelic are different but I am hoping someone knows the reasoning!! Thanks!

[Gearoid]

Originally Posted by tanya.bailey

Hey all-
So I am taking an Irish anthropology class and we were discussing the area in western Ireland known as Gael Teacht. My professor said that in this instance gael is pronounced gwael. Is he misprounouncing the word or is this right? If it is right why is is prounonced with a "w" in this word but gaelic is not? I know that Irish gaelic and Scots gaelic are different but I am hoping someone knows the reasoning!! Thanks!

Its to do with the different dialects in Irish. The differences tend to be minimal but they do exist. A Gaeltacht is not a particular place its an area where Irish is used as an everyday language by the majority. There are different Gaeltachts around Ireland invariably with there own particular form of Irish, so depending on which you went to you would hear their particular dialect. However as I say the differences are not great and whatever dialect you learnt you would be understood and understand. There is a Standard Irish which most new speakers are learning.
So you will hear certain words being pronounced slightly different in different areas.
Hope this helps.

[tanya.bailey]

It does thanks! I had just never heard it pronounced that way...

[Gearoid]

Originally Posted by tanya.bailey

It does thanks! I had just never heard it pronounced that way...

I think it is the Cos Fharaige dialect that pronounces it like that. There is one dialect that pronounces it like Gaerlin ,

If you want to get more info on dialects you could google
Connacht ,Munster , and Ulster Dialects.
The Standard Irish is called An Caighdeán Oifigiúil.

Heres some other links you may find useful

Differences between Scottish Gaelic and Irish - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Foras na Gaeilge - Welcome

this one is a forum with a wealth of information on it
Irish Language Information and Resources

[tanya.bailey]

WOW these are great...thanks so much! The one thing I love about this site is that everyone is so willing to help out and encourage my interest!
Thanks Again!

[Gearoid]

Originally Posted by tanya.bailey

WOW these are great...thanks so much! The one thing I love about this site is that everyone is so willing to help out and encourage my interest!
Thanks Again!

Im pleased to be able to help
Taim sásta le chúnta a thabhairt duit ( Im happy to be able to help you )

I'm hoping someone else can help me on the thread i have posted