Here follows a couple of notes on the glossary and our use of Gaelic here at Brighid’s Mantle. We are focusing on Irish Gaelic at this time, as that is the form of Gaelic that we have primarily studied. Also, this is a simple glossary for Gaelic terms used in this website. Thus, it will be expanded as the site expands. If you’re a master of the language and have any critiques on our usage of it, definitions, or pronunciation, please contact us and let us know.
In the meantime, we favor the saying:
“Is fearr Gaeilge bhriste ná Béarla cliste.” ~ “Broken Irish is better than clever English.”
Irish Gaelic Glossary:
*The pronunciation of “ch” in the guide is like the German pronunciation, in the back of the throat*
anam [ah'-nahm] ~ soul
anamchara [ah'-nahm chah'-ruh] ~ soul friend; one for whom you would lay down your life
Aes Sí [aish shee] ~ the people of the faery mounds; the Fair Folk
beannachtaí [bann-ach'-tee] ~ blessings
bratach Bhríde [bra'-tach vree'-juh] ~ Brighid’s mantle
faoi bhrat Bhríde sinn [fwee vraht vree'-juh sheen] ~ under Brighid’s cloak
filí [fih'-lee] ~ poet
geimhreadh [gehv'-ruh] ~ winter/dark half of the year
réalta [rayl'-tyuh] ~ stars
slán [slawn] ~ health
samhradh [sam'-ruh] ~ summer/light half of the year
turas [tuh'-rahs] ~ journey
Old Celtic:
imbas [im'-bahs] ~ knowledge which enlightens