An diofar eadar na mùthaidhean a rinneadh air "Consonants"

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(Created page with "Gaelic spelling only uses 13 consonant symbols (<span style="color: #008000;">b, c, d, f, g, h, l, m, n, p, r, s, t) to represent almost 30 different Gaelic consonant sounds. In...")
 
 
(22 mùthadh eadar-mheadhanach le 2 chleachdaiche eile nach eil 22 'gan sealltainn)
Loidhne 1: Loidhne 1:
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Gaelic spelling only uses 13 consonant symbols (<span style="color: #008000;">b, c, d, f, g, h, l, m, n, p, r, s, t) to represent almost 30 different Gaelic consonant sounds.  In Gaelic the consonants may be divided into two groups, the 'broad' consonants and the 'narrow (slender)' consonants.  For every broad consonant, there is a corresponding narrow consonant; so we may speak of a broad and slender <span style="color: #008000;">s, d</span> and so on.  Listen to the difference between:
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Gaelic spelling only uses 13 consonant symbols (<span style="color: #008000;">b, c, d, f, g, h, l, m, n, p, r, s, t</span>) to represent almost 30 different Gaelic consonant sounds.  In Gaelic, the consonants are divided into two groups, the 'broad' consonants and the 'narrow (slender)' consonants.   
  
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[[File:Consonants01.ogg|noicon|90px]]
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==Broad and slender pairs==
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For every broad consonant, there's a corresponding narrow consonant; so, we may speak of a broad and slender <span style="color: #008000;">s, d</span>, and so on.  Listen to the difference between:
 +
[[File:consonants01.mp3]]<br />
 
{| style="width: 70%;" border="0"
 
{| style="width: 70%;" border="0"
 
|-
 
|-
Loidhne 20: Loidhne 22:
 
|}
 
|}
  
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Note that broad d and broad t are dental sounds in Gaelic (i.e. the tongue touches the teeth).
  
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Note that d and t are dental sounds in Gaelic (i.e. the tongue touches the teeth).
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==How does the spelling show broad and slender?==
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A consonant is broad if it's preceded or followed by any of the broad vowels <span style="color: #008000;">a o u</span>, short or long, and a consonant is slender if it's preceded or followed by any of the slender vowels <span style="color: #008000;">i e</span>, short or long.  Therefore, a consonant preceding or following <span style="color: #008000;">a o u</span> indicates that a consonant is broad.  Similarly, a consonant preceding or following <span style="color: #008000;">i e</span> indicates that a consonant is slender.  Since a consonant can not be both broad and slender, vowels on both sides of a consonant must be in accord as to their broad or slender colouring.  This is sometimes stated as a rule:
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A consonant is broad if it is preceded or followed by any of the broad vowel lettters <span style="color: #008000;">a o u</span> (short or long); a consonant is slender if it is preceded or followed by any of the slender vowel letters <span style="color: #008000;">i e</span> (short or long).  Preceding or following <span style="color: #008000;">a o u</span> therefore indicate that a consonant is broad.  Similarly, preceding or following <span style="color: #008000;">i e</span> indicate that a consonant is slender.  Since a consonant can not be both broad and slender, vowels on both sides of a consonant must agree according to colour (broad or slender).  This is sometimes stated as a rule:
 
 
  <span style="color: #008000;">caol ri caol is leathann ri leathann</span>
 
  <span style="color: #008000;">caol ri caol is leathann ri leathann</span>
 
  slender with slender and broad with broad
 
  slender with slender and broad with broad
  
 
Consider the following examples:
 
Consider the following examples:
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caileag balla gille daoine baga pàipear Seumas Màiri brògan
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{| style="width: 70%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kalag]''' || '''[baLə]''' || '''[gʲiLʲə]''' || '''[dɯːNʲə]''' || '''[bagə]''' || '''[pɛhbɛr]''' || '''[ʃeːməs]''' || '''[maːrʲɪ]''' || '''[brɔːgən]'''
 +
|-
 +
| <span style="color: #008000;">'''caileag'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''balla'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gille'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''daoine'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''baga'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''pàipear'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''Seumas'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''Máiri'''</span> || <span style="color: #008000;">'''brògan'''</span> ||
 +
|-
 +
| girl || wall || boy || people || bag || paper || James || Mary || shoes
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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kalag̊
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==The Pronunciation of Gaelic Consonants==
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b̊aɫ̪ə g̊ʲiʎɪ d̪̊ɯːɲɪ b̊ag̊ə pɛːʰpɛɾ ʃeːməs maːɾʲɪ b̊ɾɔːg̊ən
 
  
 +
In some cases, the pronunciation of the broad consonants is similar to their English counterparts, but there are many differences.  In Gaelic, the pronunciation of <span style="color: #008000;">l n r</span> is radically different and their pronunciation is treated in a special section, although some of the sound files are located on this page.
  
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The Pronounciation of Gaelic Consonants
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The only accurate guide to the pronunciation of these sounds is the IPA representation. Ideally, you should use these guides in conjunction with the help of a native speaker. But, even without such help, the IPA gives a very good guide to pronunciation.  Don't shun it - it's a tool especially designed by professionals as a pronunciation guide, and a complete IPA chart offers an accurate representation of the sounds of the world's languages.  See also our [[Rough Guide to the IPA]].
  
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The pronounciation of the broad consonats is in some cases similar to their English counterparts but there are some minor differences.  The pronounciation of l, n, r are quite different in Gaelic and are treated in a special section, although the sound files are located on this page.
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==B sounds==
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The only accurate guide to the pronounciation of these sounds is the IPA representation.  Ideally you should use these guides in conjunction with the help of a native speaker, but even without such help the IPA gives a very good guide to the pronounciation.  Don't shun it - it is a tool especially designed for this use by professionals - accurate representation of sounds in other languages.  See also our Rough Guide to the IPA.
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[[File:consonants02.mp3]]<br />
 +
Broad b is like the ''p'' in ''spit'' or ''sport''.
  
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Download consan02
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This is a devoiced and [[The_fog_of_terminology#aspiration|unaspirated]] bilabial stop. Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating.  You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it's voiced, if there is no vibration, it's devoiced. The hardcore IPA transcription is [b̊] or [p].
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Broad B
 
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This sound is like the <p> in <spit> or <sport>.
 
  
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This is a devoiced and unaspirated bilabial stop.  Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating.  You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it is voiced, if there is no vibration, it is devoiced.  [b̊]
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{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
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balla b̊aɫ̪ə
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|-
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bad b̊ad̪̊
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| '''[baLə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''balla'''</span> || wall (n.)
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bata b̊aʰt̪ə
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|-
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baile b̊alɪ
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| '''[bad]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bad'''</span> || clump (n.)
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basgaid b̊asg̊ɪd̊ʲ
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|-
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ab ab̊
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| '''[bahdə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bata'''</span> || stick (n.)
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cab kab̊
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|-
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pìob piːb̊
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| '''[balə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''baile'''</span> || town
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dìleab d̊ʲiːləb̊
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|-
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abair ab̊ɪɾʲ
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| '''[basgadʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''basgaid'''</span> || basket
−
cabar kab̊əɾ
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|-
 +
| '''[ab]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''ab(a)'''</span> || abbott
 +
|-
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| '''[kab]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cab'''</span> || gap (n.)
 +
|-
 +
| '''[piːb]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''pìob'''</span> || pipe (n.)
 +
|-
 +
| '''[dʲiːləb]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dìleab'''</span> || legacy
 +
|-
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| '''[abɪrʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''abair'''</span> || say!
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kabər]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cabar'''</span> || rafter
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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Slender b is pronounced similarly to broad b, but is accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes> if followed by a [[back vowel]]. The hardcore IPA symbol for this is [b̊j].
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Slender B
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{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
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Slender b is pronounced similarly to broad b, but is sometimes accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>.   [b̊] [b̊j]
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|-
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bì b̊iː
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| '''[biː]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bidh'''</span> || will be
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bior b̊iɾ
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|-
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bean b̊ɛn
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| '''[bir]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bior'''</span> || sharp
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beò b̊jɔː
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|-
−
biùg b̊juːg̊
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| '''[bɛn]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bean'''</span> || wife
−
caibe kaib̊ɪ
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|-
−
lùib ɫ̪uːib̊
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| '''[bjɔː]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''beò'''</span> || alive
 +
|-
 +
| '''[bjuːg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''biùg'''</span> || faint sound
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kaibə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''caibe'''</span> || spade
 +
|-
 +
| '''[Luib]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''lùib'''</span> || bend (n.)
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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Download consan03
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==D sounds==
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Broad D
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[[File:consonants03.mp3]]<br />
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This sound is like the <t> in <start> or <stuck>.
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Broad d is close to <t> as in <start> or <stuck>.
  
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This is a devoiced and unaspirated dental stop. Dental means that the tip of your tongue touches your teeth.  Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating.  You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it is voiced, if there is no vibration, it is devoiced.   [d̪̊]
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This is a devoiced and [[The_fog_of_terminology#aspiration|unaspirated]] dental stop. Dental means that the tip of your tongue touches your teeth.  Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating.  You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it is voiced, if there is no vibration, it's devoiced. The full IPA symbol is [d̪̊] or [t̪].
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dath d̪̊ah
 
−
dara d̪̊aɾə
 
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damh d̪̊ãv
 
−
dùil d̪̊uːl
 
−
bad b̊ad̪̊
 
−
dad d̪̊ad̪̊
 
−
sad sad̪̊
 
−
clogad kɫ̪ɔg̊əd̪̊
 
−
cadal
 
  
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kad̪̊əɫ̪
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{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
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|-
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| '''[dah]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dath'''</span> || colour (n.)
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|-
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| '''[darə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dara'''</span> || second (adj.)
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|-
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| '''[dãv]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''damh'''</span> || stag
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|-
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| '''[duːl]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dùil'''</span> || hope, expectation
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|-
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| '''[bad]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bad'''</span> || clump (n.)
 +
|-
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| '''[dad]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dad'''</span> || anything
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|-
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| '''[sad]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''sad'''</span> || shake!
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|-
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| '''[kLɔgəd]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''clogad'''</span> || helmet
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kadəL]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cadal'''</span> || sleep
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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Slender d is somewhat similar to <j> in <judge>, but devoiced.
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Slender D
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Similar to <j> in <judge>, but devoiced.
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This is both devoiced and dental. Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip and with less lip rounding. In full IPA, we'd write [d̊ʲ] or [tʲ].
 +
 
 +
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
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|-
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| '''[dʲeː]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dé'''</span> || what?
 +
|-
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| '''[dʲigʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dig'''</span> || come (future dependent)
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|-
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| '''[dʲɛrɛg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dearg'''</span> || red
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|-
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| '''[dʲɛLɛv]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''dealbh'''</span> || picture
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|-
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| '''[madʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''maide'''</span> || stick (n.)
 +
|-
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| '''[karɪdʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''caraid'''</span> || friend
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|-
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| '''[bɔːdʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bòid'''</span> || vow (n.)
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|-
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|}
  
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Devoiced and dental.  Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip and with less lip rounding. [d̊ʲ]
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==G sounds==
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dé d̊ʲeː
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[[File:consonants04.mp3]]<br />
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dig d̊ʲig̊ʲ
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Broad g is like the <k> or <c> in <skunk> or <scorn>.
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dearg d̊ʲɛɾag̊
 
−
dealbh d̊ʲɛɫ̪av
 
−
maide mad̊ʲɪ
 
−
caraid kaɾɪd̊ʲ
 
−
bòid b̊ɔːd̊ʲ
 
  
−
Download consan04
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This is a devoiced and [[The_fog_of_terminology#aspiration|unaspirated]] stop. Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating. You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it's voiced, if there is no vibration, it's devoiced, so the pure IPA symbol would be [g̊] or [k].
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Broad G
 
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This sound is like the <k> or <c> in <skunk> or <scorn>.
 
  
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This is a devoiced and unaspirated stop. Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating.  You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it is voiced, if there is no vibration, it is devoiced.  [g̊]
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{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
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gad g̊ad̪̊
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|-
−
gach g̊ax
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| '''[gad]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gad'''</span> || withe
−
gabh g̊av
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|-
−
gal g̊aɫ̪
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| '''[gax]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gach'''</span> || every
−
lag ɫ̪ag̊
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|-
−
pòg pɔːg̊
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| '''[gav]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gabh'''</span> || take!
−
tog t̪og̊
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|-
−
adag ad̪̊ag̊
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| '''[gaL]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gal'''</span> || crying
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|-
 +
| '''[Lag]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''lag'''</span> || weag
 +
|-
 +
| '''[pɔːg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''pòg'''</span> || kiss
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|-
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| '''[tog]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''tog'''</span> || lift!
 +
|-
 +
| '''[adag]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''adag'''</span> || haddock
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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Slender g is somewhat similar to the <g> in <argue>.   
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Slender G
 
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Similar to the <g> in <argue>.   
 
  
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This sound is very much like [g̊] only much more forward in your mouth (at your palate). It is a devoiced and unaspirated, palatalised stop.   [g̊ʲ]
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This sound is very much like [g] only much more forward in your mouth, at your palate. It is a devoiced and unaspirated, palatalised stop. In full IPA, [g̊ʲ] or [kʲ].
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gille g̊ʲiʎɪ
 
−
geal g̊ʲaɫ̪
 
−
geàrr g̊ʲaːr̴
 
−
geòla g̊ʲɔːɫ̪ə
 
−
aige eg̊ʲɪ
 
−
laige ɫ̪ag̊ʲɪ
 
−
ruig r̴ug̊ʲ
 
  
−
Download consan05
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{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
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Broad P
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|-
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Like <p> in <pad> at the beginning of a word.  [p]
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| '''[gʲiLʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gille'''</span> || boy
−
put puʰt̪
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|-
−
pàisde paːʃd̊ʲɪ
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| '''[gʲaL]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''geal'''</span> || white
−
poll pɔuɫ̪
+
|-
 +
| '''[gʲaːR]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''gearr'''</span> || cut!
 +
|-
 +
| '''[gʲɔːLə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''geòla'''</span> || yawl
 +
|-
 +
| '''[agʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''aige'''</span> || at him
 +
|-
 +
| '''[Lagʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''laige'''</span> || weaker
 +
|-
 +
| '''[Rugʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''ruig'''</span> || arrive!
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
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Like <p> in <pad> preceded by <h> otherwise.  Pre-aspirated.  [ʰp]
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==P sounds==
−
rap r̴aʰp
+
[[File:consonants05.mp3]]<br />
−
drap d̪̊ɾaʰp
+
Broad p is like the <p> in <pad> at the beginning of a word. In full IPA, we'd write [pʰ].
−
cupan kuʰpan
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[puhd]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''put'''</span> || push!
 +
|-
 +
| '''[paːʃdʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''pàiste'''</span> || infant
 +
|-
 +
| '''[pɔuL]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''poll'''</span> || mud
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
 +
Elsewhere, non-initially, <p> as in <pad> is preceded by <h> and  pre-aspirated in a stressed syllable. In full IPA this would be [ʰp].
 +
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[Rahb]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''rap'''</span> || rope (n.)
 +
|-
 +
| '''[drahb]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''drap'''</span> ||
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kuhban]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cupan'''</span> || cup (n.)
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
   
 
   
−
Slender P
+
Slender p is pronounced like broad <p>, but is accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes> after a back vowel. [pʰj] in full IPA.
−
Slender <p> is pronounced like broad <p>, but is sometimes accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>.   [p] [pj]
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
pian pian
+
|-
−
piuthar pju.əɾ
+
| '''[pian]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''pian'''</span> || pain (n.)
−
peann pjaun̴̪
+
|-
 +
| '''[pju.ər]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''piuthar'''</span> || sister
 +
|-
 +
| '''[pjauN]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''peann'''</span> || pen (n.)
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Like <p> in <pea> preceded by <h> otherwise.   [ʰp]
+
Like <p> in <pea> preceded by <h>, in all other positions, in a stressed syllable.
−
cipean kʲiʰpan
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kʲihban]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cipean'''</span> || stake (n.)
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Download consan06
+
==T sounds==
−
Broad T
+
[[File:consonants06.mp3]]<br />
−
Like <t> in <tap> at the beginning of a word but dental. Dental means that the tip of your tongue touches your teeth.  This sound is also aspirated.  [t̪]  
+
Broad t is somewhat like <t> in <tap> at the beginning of a word, but dental. Dental means that the tip of your tongue touches your teeth.  This sound is also aspirated, so in pure IPA we'd write [t̪ʰ].
−
talla t̪aɫ̪ə
 
−
talamh t̪aɫ̪əv
 
−
tog t̪og̊
 
  
−
Like <t> in <tap> preceded by <h> otherwise but dental.  This sound is also pre- and post-aspirated.  [ʰt̪ʰ]
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
cat kaʰt̪
+
|-
−
bata b̊aʰt̪ə
+
| '''[taLə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''talla'''</span> || hall
−
bàta b̊aːʰt̪ə
+
|-
 +
| '''[taLəv]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''talamh'''</span> || ground, earth
 +
|-
 +
| '''[tog]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''tog'''</span> || lift!
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Slender T
+
Like <t> in <tap> preceded by <h> otherwise but dental. This sound is also pre-aspirated, [ʰt̪] in full IPA.
−
Similar to <ch> in <chew> at the beginning of words but unvoced.
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kahd]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cat'''</span> || cat
 +
|-
 +
| '''[bahdə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bata'''</span> || stick (n.)
 +
|-
 +
| '''[baːʰdə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bàta'''</span> || boat
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
This sound is palatalised ans aspirated.  Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip.
+
At the beginning of words, slender t is somewhat similar to <c> in <chew>, but unvoiced. This sound is palatalised and aspirated.  Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip. Pure IPA writes this as [tʲʰ].
−
Similar to <j> in <judge> at the beginning of a word, but devoiced.  [tʲ]
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
té tʲeː
+
|-
−
teann tʲaun̴̪
+
| '''[tʲeː]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''té'''</span> || (female) one
−
teallach tʲaɫ̪əx
+
|-
−
Similar to <ch> in <chew> preceded by <h> otherwise but unvoiced. This sound is palatalised and pre-aspirated.  Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip.   [ʰtʲ]
+
| '''[tʲauN]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''teann'''</span> || tight
−
àite aːʰtʲɪ
+
|-
−
iteag iʰtʲag̊
+
| '''[tʲaLəx]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''teallach'''</span> || hearth
−
litir ʎiʰtʲɪɾʲ
+
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Download consan07
+
Similar to <j> in <judge> preceded by <h>, but in all other positions it's unvoiced. This sound is palatalised and pre-aspirated.  Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip. [ʰtʲ] in full IPA.
−
Broad C
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
Like <c> in <can> at the beginning of a word.   [k]
+
|-
−
cat kaʰt̪
+
| '''[aːʰdʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''àite'''</span> || place (n.)
−
cù kuː
+
|-
−
cailleach kaʎəx
+
| '''[içdʲag]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''iteag'''</span> || feather
−
Like <c> in <cat> preceded by <h> otherwise.   [ʰk]
+
|-
−
mac maʰk
+
| '''[Lʲihdʲɪrʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''litir'''</span> || letter (n.)
−
sac saʰk
+
|-
−
bòcan b̊ɔːʰkan
+
|}
  
 +
==C sounds==
 +
[[File:consonants07.mp3]]<br />
 +
Broad c is the same as <c> in <can> at the beginning of a word. In full IPA, [kʰ].
 +
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kahd]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cat'''</span> || cat
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kuː]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cù'''</span> || dog
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kaLʲəx]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cailleach'''</span> || old woman
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 +
Like <c> in <cat> but in all other positions preceded by [x], [xk] in pure IPA.
 +
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[maxg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''mac'''</span> || son
 +
|-
 +
| '''[saxg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''sac'''</span> || sack (n.)
 +
|-
 +
| '''[bɔːʰgan]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''bòcan'''</span> || spectre
 +
|-
 +
|}
 
   
 
   
−
Slender C
+
Slender c is similar to the <c> in <cue> at the beginning of a word.   
−
Similar to the <c> in <cue> at the beginning of a word.   
 
  
−
This sound is very much like [k] only much more forward in your mouth (at your palate).  It is a voiceless and aspirated, palatalised stop.   [kʲ]  
+
This sound is very much like [k] only much more forward in your mouth (at your palate).  It's a voiceless and aspirated, palatalised stop. In full IPA, this would be [kʲʰ].
−
ceann kʲaun̴̪
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
cill kʲiʎ
+
|-
−
cead kʲed̪̊
+
| '''[kʲauN]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''ceann'''</span> || head
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kʲiːLʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cill'''</span> || churchyard
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kʲed]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cead'''</span> || permission
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Similar to the <c> in <cue> otherwise but pre-aspirated. It is a voiceless and pre-aspirated and aspirated, palatalised stop.   [ʰkʲ]
+
Similar to the <c> in <cue>, but pre-aspirated in all other positions. It's a voiceless and pre-aspirated, palatalised stop.
−
mic miʰkʲ
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
aice eʰkʲɪ
+
|-
−
faic fɛʰkʲ
+
| '''[miçgʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''mic'''</span> || sons
 +
|-
 +
| '''[açgʲə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''aice'''</span> || at her
 +
|-
 +
| '''[façgʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''faic'''</span> || see!
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Download consan08
+
==M sounds==
−
Broad M
+
[[File:consonants08.mp3]]<br />
−
Like <m> in <mat>.   [m]
+
Broad m is exactly like <m> in <mat>.
−
mac maʰk
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
map maʰp
+
|-
−
màthair maːhɪɾʲ
+
| '''[maxg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''mac'''</span> || son
−
Màiri maːɾʲɩ
+
|-
 +
| '''[mahb]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''map'''</span> || map (n.)
 +
|-
 +
| '''[maːhɪrʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''màthair'''</span> || mother
 +
|-
 +
| '''[maːrʲɪ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''Màiri'''</span> || Mary
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
+
Slender m is pronounced just like broad <m> but accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>, as in English <mule>, if a back vowel follows.
−
Slender M
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
Slender <m> is pronounced similarly to broad <m>, but is sometimes accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes> as in English <mule>. [m] [mj]
+
|-
−
mi mi
+
| '''[mi]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''mi'''</span> || I, me
−
mìn miːn
+
|-
−
meall mjauɫ̪
+
| '''[miːn]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''mìn'''</span> || soft
−
miùg mjuːg̊
+
|-
 +
| '''[mjauL]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''meall'''</span> || lump
 +
|-
 +
| '''[mjuːg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''miùg'''</span> || whey
 +
|-
 +
|}
 +
 
 +
==F sounds==
 +
[[File:consonants09.mp3]]<br />
 +
Broad f is like <f> in <fat>.
 +
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
 +
|-
 +
| '''[faːg]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''fàg'''</span> || leave!
 +
|-
 +
| '''[faːs]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''fàs'''</span> || grow!
 +
|-
 +
| '''[faLd]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''falt'''</span> || hair
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Download consan09
+
Slender <f> is pronounced like broad <f>, but is accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>, similar to English <few>, if followed by a back vowel.
−
Broad F
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
Like <f> in <fat>.   [f]
+
|-
−
fàg faːg̊
+
| '''[fis]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''fios'''</span> || knowledge
−
fàs faːs
+
|-
−
falt faɫ̪t̪
+
| '''[feːLʲ]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''féill'''</span> || festival
 +
|-
 +
| '''[fjuː]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''fiù'''</span> || even
 +
|-
 +
| '''[fju.ər]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''fiughair'''</span> || expectation
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
+
==S sounds==
−
Slender F
+
[[File:consonants10.mp3]]<br />
−
Slender <f> is pronounced similarly to broad <f>, but is sometimes accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>, similar to English <few>.  [fj]
+
Broad ''s'' is a bit like ''s'' in ''sat'', but dental. In pure IPA, [s̪].
−
fios fis
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
féill feːʎ
+
|-
−
fiù fjuː
+
| '''[sɔhb]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''sop'''</span> || wisp
−
fiughar fju.əɾ
+
|-
 +
| '''[sɔn]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''son'''</span> || sake
 +
|-
 +
| '''[kas]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''cas'''</span> || foot
 +
|-
 +
| '''[Lus]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''lus'''</span> || plant
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
Download consan10
+
Slender s is a bit similar to <sh> in <shoe> but without the lip rounding i.e. spread lips.
−
Broad S
+
{| style="width: 40%;" border="0"
−
Like <s> in <sat>.  [s]
+
|-
−
sop sɔʰp
+
| '''[ʃɛn]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''sean'''</span> || old
−
son sɔn
+
|-
−
cas kas
+
| '''[ʃauL]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''seall'''</span> || look!
−
lus ɫ̪us
+
|-
 +
| '''[kaːʃə]''' || <span style="color: #008000;">'''càise'''</span> || cheese
 +
|-
 +
|}
  
−
+
<br />
−
Slender S
+
<br />
−
Similar to <sh> in <shoe> but without lip rounding i.e. spread lips.  [ʃ]
+
{{Fuaimean}}
−
sean ʃɛn
 
−
seall sauɫ̪
 
−
càise kaːʃɪ
 

Am mùthadh mu dheireadh on 17:19, 16 dhen Fhaoilleach 2016

Gaelic spelling only uses 13 consonant symbols (b, c, d, f, g, h, l, m, n, p, r, s, t) to represent almost 30 different Gaelic consonant sounds. In Gaelic, the consonants are divided into two groups, the 'broad' consonants and the 'narrow (slender)' consonants.

Broad and slender pairs

For every broad consonant, there's a corresponding narrow consonant; so, we may speak of a broad and slender s, d, and so on. Listen to the difference between: Download

Broad s Slender s
[kas] cas leg [kaːʃ] càis cheese
[suːl] sùil eye [ʃuːl] siùil sails
Broad d Slender d
[bad] bad clump (n.) [badʲ] baid clump (genitive)
[duːd] dùd blast (n.) [dʲuːdʲ] diùid shy

Note that broad d and broad t are dental sounds in Gaelic (i.e. the tongue touches the teeth).

How does the spelling show broad and slender?

A consonant is broad if it's preceded or followed by any of the broad vowels a o u, short or long, and a consonant is slender if it's preceded or followed by any of the slender vowels i e, short or long. Therefore, a consonant preceding or following a o u indicates that a consonant is broad. Similarly, a consonant preceding or following i e indicates that a consonant is slender. Since a consonant can not be both broad and slender, vowels on both sides of a consonant must be in accord as to their broad or slender colouring. This is sometimes stated as a rule: 

caol ri caol is leathann ri leathann
slender with slender and broad with broad

Consider the following examples:

[kalag] [baLə] [gʲiLʲə] [dɯːNʲə] [bagə] [pɛhbɛr] [ʃeːməs] [maːrʲɪ] [brɔːgən]
caileag balla gille daoine baga pàipear Seumas Máiri brògan
girl wall boy people bag paper James Mary shoes

The Pronunciation of Gaelic Consonants

In some cases, the pronunciation of the broad consonants is similar to their English counterparts, but there are many differences. In Gaelic, the pronunciation of l n r is radically different and their pronunciation is treated in a special section, although some of the sound files are located on this page.

The only accurate guide to the pronunciation of these sounds is the IPA representation. Ideally, you should use these guides in conjunction with the help of a native speaker. But, even without such help, the IPA gives a very good guide to pronunciation. Don't shun it - it's a tool especially designed by professionals as a pronunciation guide, and a complete IPA chart offers an accurate representation of the sounds of the world's languages. See also our Rough Guide to the IPA.

B sounds

Download
Broad b is like the p in spit or sport.

This is a devoiced and unaspirated bilabial stop. Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating. You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it's voiced, if there is no vibration, it's devoiced. The hardcore IPA transcription is [b̊] or [p].

[baLə] balla wall (n.)
[bad] bad clump (n.)
[bahdə] bata stick (n.)
[balə] baile town
[basgadʲ] basgaid basket
[ab] ab(a) abbott
[kab] cab gap (n.)
[piːb] pìob pipe (n.)
[dʲiːləb] dìleab legacy
[abɪrʲ] abair say!
[kabər] cabar rafter

Slender b is pronounced similarly to broad b, but is accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes> if followed by a back vowel. The hardcore IPA symbol for this is [b̊j].

[biː] bidh will be
[bir] bior sharp
[bɛn] bean wife
[bjɔː] beò alive
[bjuːg] biùg faint sound
[kaibə] caibe spade
[Luib] lùib bend (n.)

D sounds

Download
Broad d is close to <t> as in <start> or <stuck>.

This is a devoiced and unaspirated dental stop. Dental means that the tip of your tongue touches your teeth. Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating. You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it is voiced, if there is no vibration, it's devoiced. The full IPA symbol is [d̪̊] or [t̪].

[dah] dath colour (n.)
[darə] dara second (adj.)
[dãv] damh stag
[duːl] dùil hope, expectation
[bad] bad clump (n.)
[dad] dad anything
[sad] sad shake!
[kLɔgəd] clogad helmet
[kadəL] cadal sleep

Slender d is somewhat similar to <j> in <judge>, but devoiced.

This is both devoiced and dental. Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip and with less lip rounding. In full IPA, we'd write [d̊ʲ] or [tʲ].

[dʲeː] dé what?
[dʲigʲ] dig come (future dependent)
[dʲɛrɛg] dearg red
[dʲɛLɛv] dealbh picture
[madʲə] maide stick (n.)
[karɪdʲ] caraid friend
[bɔːdʲ] bòid vow (n.)

G sounds

Download
Broad g is like the <k> or <c> in <skunk> or <scorn>.

This is a devoiced and unaspirated stop. Devoiced means that your vocal chords are not vibrating. You can check this by putting your hand on your throat - if you feel vibration, it's voiced, if there is no vibration, it's devoiced, so the pure IPA symbol would be [g̊] or [k].

[gad] gad withe
[gax] gach every
[gav] gabh take!
[gaL] gal crying
[Lag] lag weag
[pɔːg] pòg kiss
[tog] tog lift!
[adag] adag haddock

Slender g is somewhat similar to the <g> in <argue>.

This sound is very much like [g] only much more forward in your mouth, at your palate. It is a devoiced and unaspirated, palatalised stop. In full IPA, [g̊ʲ] or [kʲ].

[gʲiLʲə] gille boy
[gʲaL] geal white
[gʲaːR] gearr cut!
[gʲɔːLə] geòla yawl
[agʲə] aige at him
[Lagʲə] laige weaker
[Rugʲ] ruig arrive!

P sounds

Download

Broad p is like the

in <pad> at the beginning of a word. In full IPA, we'd write [pʰ].

[puhd] put push!
[paːʃdʲə] pàiste infant
[pɔuL] poll mud

Elsewhere, non-initially,

as in <pad> is preceded by <h> and pre-aspirated in a stressed syllable. In full IPA this would be [ʰp].

[Rahb] rap rope (n.)
[drahb] drap
[kuhban] cupan cup (n.)

Slender p is pronounced like broad

, but is accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes> after a back vowel. [pʰj] in full IPA.

[pian] pian pain (n.)
[pju.ər] piuthar sister
[pjauN] peann pen (n.)

Like

in <pea> preceded by <h>, in all other positions, in a stressed syllable.

[kʲihban] cipean stake (n.)

T sounds

Download
Broad t is somewhat like <t> in <tap> at the beginning of a word, but dental. Dental means that the tip of your tongue touches your teeth. This sound is also aspirated, so in pure IPA we'd write [t̪ʰ].

[taLə] talla hall
[taLəv] talamh ground, earth
[tog] tog lift!

Like <t> in <tap> preceded by <h> otherwise but dental. This sound is also pre-aspirated, [ʰt̪] in full IPA.

[kahd] cat cat
[bahdə] bata stick (n.)
[baːʰdə] bàta boat

At the beginning of words, slender t is somewhat similar to <c> in <chew>, but unvoiced. This sound is palatalised and aspirated. Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip. Pure IPA writes this as [tʲʰ].

[tʲeː] té (female) one
[tʲauN] teann tight
[tʲaLəx] teallach hearth

Similar to <j> in <judge> preceded by <h>, but in all other positions it's unvoiced. This sound is palatalised and pre-aspirated. Note: use the blade of the tongue rather than the tip. [ʰtʲ] in full IPA.

[aːʰdʲə] àite place (n.)
[içdʲag] iteag feather
[Lʲihdʲɪrʲ] litir letter (n.)

C sounds

Download
Broad c is the same as <c> in <can> at the beginning of a word. In full IPA, [kʰ].

[kahd] cat cat
[kuː] cù dog
[kaLʲəx] cailleach old woman

Like <c> in <cat> but in all other positions preceded by [x], [xk] in pure IPA.

[maxg] mac son
[saxg] sac sack (n.)
[bɔːʰgan] bòcan spectre

Slender c is similar to the <c> in <cue> at the beginning of a word.

This sound is very much like [k] only much more forward in your mouth (at your palate). It's a voiceless and aspirated, palatalised stop. In full IPA, this would be [kʲʰ].

[kʲauN] ceann head
[kʲiːLʲ] cill churchyard
[kʲed] cead permission

Similar to the <c> in <cue>, but pre-aspirated in all other positions. It's a voiceless and pre-aspirated, palatalised stop.

[miçgʲ] mic sons
[açgʲə] aice at her
[façgʲ] faic see!

M sounds

Download
Broad m is exactly like <m> in <mat>.

[maxg] mac son
[mahb] map map (n.)
[maːhɪrʲ] màthair mother
[maːrʲɪ] Màiri Mary

Slender m is pronounced just like broad <m> but accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>, as in English <mule>, if a back vowel follows.

[mi] mi I, me
[miːn] mìn soft
[mjauL] meall lump
[mjuːg] miùg whey

F sounds

Download
Broad f is like <f> in <fat>.

[faːg] fàg leave!
[faːs] fàs grow!
[faLd] falt hair

Slender <f> is pronounced like broad <f>, but is accompanied by a /j/ sound like the <y> in <yes>, similar to English <few>, if followed by a back vowel.

[fis] fios knowledge
[feːLʲ] féill festival
[fjuː] fiù even
[fju.ər] fiughair expectation

S sounds

Download
Broad s is a bit like s in sat, but dental. In pure IPA, [s̪].

[sɔhb] sop wisp
[sɔn] son sake
[kas] cas foot
[Lus] lus plant

Slender s is a bit similar to <sh> in <shoe> but without the lip rounding i.e. spread lips.

[ʃɛn] sean old
[ʃauL] seall look!
[kaːʃə] càise cheese



Fuaimean na Gàidhlig
᚛ Vowels - Consonants - Fricatives - Slenderisation - Pre-aspiration - Lenition - Helping vowel - Diphthongs ᚜
᚛ Hiatus - l n r - rt & rd - Vowels before rr ll nn - Unstressed vowels ᚜


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