Tuesday, December 09, 2008

The Cadogan Guide to Ignorance

While at the library one lunch time, I went and had a quick look at the travel section and flicked through Cadogan Guides: Southwest Ireland. This is what it had to say about the Dinlge Peninsula (my emphasis):
...many local people speak Irish among themselves, though you will find that they switch to English when you are around for courtesy's sake.
It's good to know, because nothing spoils a good holiday more than hearing the locals speak amongst themselves in their native language. Sure, they may only be talking about trivial thing OR they could be planning to hit you across the head when you least expect it and steal your ice cream.

The guide's author, Catharina Day apparently comes from "a long-established Irish family," whatever that means. With that sort of world view, I'm guessing the family has been established in Ireland since the 1600's.

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3 Comments:

Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,
Would you be able to help me with an English to Welsh translation? I would like to have "united as one" engraved in my and my finaces wedding bands, but can't seem to find anyone to help. What happend to a good old fashioned favor?Thanks!!

Vanessa

12/18/2008 4:47 pm  
Anonymous Anonymous said...

Hi,
Would you be able to help me with an English to Welsh translation? I would like to have "united as one" engraved in my and my finaces wedding bands, but can't seem to find anyone to help. What happend to a good old fashioned favor?Thanks!!

Vanessa

12/18/2008 4:47 pm  
Blogger Rhys Wynne said...

The literal translation 'United as one' would be 'Unedig fel un' and does make sense.
But to be honest with you, it's not something you would say in Welsh - we're not that big on cheese in Wales ;-)

A phrase that is used is 'mewn undod mae nerth', which means 'Strength in Unity' (literally: 'In unity there is strength'). Although this is a slogan often used by trade unions etc, it is a phrase that is actually used in Welsh and suitable for your purpose.

Pob lwc ar y diwrnod mawr
(Good luck on the big day)

12/18/2008 10:00 pm  

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