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Irish Lesson 13

This week we return to consonants. You learned in Lesson 2 that each Irish consonant has two sounds:

A broad sound if the nearest vowel in the word is "a", "o", or "u".

A slender sound if the nearest vowel in the word is "e", or "i".

Two closely related consonants, "p" and "b", are a good example of this. They are closely related because they are pronounced in the same way except that the vocal cords are vibrated for the "b" but mot for the "p". You can feel the vibration or humming in your vocal cords as you start to say "bet" but not as you start to say "pet".

To pronounce broad "b" or "p", extend your lips much farther than for the English sounds and round the opening. Then pronounce the letter. Try: bád, bó, bun (bun), bláth (blaw*), blúire (BLOO-i-re), bróg, brú, brád, pá, post, punt (punt), plúir (PLOO-ir), práta (PRAW*-tuh).

For the slender sound of "b" and "p", spread the lips somewhat, as if you were beginning to smile. Try: bean, beir (ber), bí(bee), bith (bi), bliain (BLEE-in), breá(bir-RAW*), bris (brish). Then try "b" next to "eo", which usually gets a (yoh) sound: beo (byoh), alive.

You can now realize the clear difference in Irish between "brách" (braw*k*), meaning "ever", and "breá" (bir-RAW*), meaning "fine". "Erin go bragh" is actually a badly anglicized form of "Éire go brách", meaning "Ireland forever".

In going from a broad "b" or "p" sound to a slender vowel such as "i", you will naturally make a sound somewhat like English "w". Try: buí(bwee), bain (bwin). Notice that the "u" and "a" in these words are there chiefly to tell you to make the broad "b" sound instead of the slender, as in bí(bee), beir (ber). Last, try: buíochas (BWEE-uhk*-huhs), thanks.

The sounds for "m" are akin to those for "b", except that air is expelled through the nose for "m". Protrude and round the lips, then try: mó(moh), mór (mohr), má(maw*), mála (MAW*-luh) múch (mook*), múin (MOO-in), mná(muh-MAW*), mura (MUR-ruh).

For slender "m", hold the lips as for slender "b" and "p" Try: mín (meen), minic (MIN-ik), méad (may*d), Meiriceá(MER-i-kaw*).

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