As an American Clansman or woman of Clan Grant, you have, as part of your heritage, a language unique to the Celtic peoples of the British Isles. That language is known as the Gaelic Language. Several hundred years ago, the language was widespread throughout Ireland, Wales, the Outer Islands, and the Scottish Highlands. Due to outside social influences and prior active discouragement of the use of Gaelic by the British government, Gaelic as a spoken language had rapidly decreased in its use. However, Gaelic is now enjoying a resurgence in use. Gaelic is part of your heritage, and as such, you should endeavor to learn as much of it as you can. Here are a few simple phrases to get you started.

 

English

Gaelic

Pronunciation

Hi

Hai

Hi

Hello

Halḷ

Hah-low

How are you? (informal, friends, and young ones)

Ciamar a tha thu?

Kimmer ah ha ooh?

How are you? (formal, plural, elders, and strangers)

Ciamar a tha sibh?

Kimmer a ha shiv?

I'm fine

Tha gu math.

Ha goo ma.

Thank you (informal)

Tapadh leat

Toppa loft ("f" almost silent)

Thank you (formal)

Tapadh leibh

Toppa leev

Good afternoon

Feasgar math

Fess-grrr mah

I am….(your name here)

Is misa…..

Iss meesha…..

Good day

Latha math

Laha mah

Good morning

Madainn mhath

Mah-dtain vah

Goodbye (informal)

Mar sin leat

Mahr sheen loft ("f" almost silent)

Goodbye (formal)

Mar sin leibh

Mahr sheen leev

Many thanks

Ṃran taing

Mohr-on tay-eeng ("g" almost silent)

Good night

Oidhche mhat

Oh-ee-chee vah

This is …. (a person's name)

Seo ….

Show ….

 

If you are interested in learning more about speaking Gaelic, follow this link to Gaelic Internet Sites