Language

When you arrive in the Republic of Ireland, the main thought of most tourists is worrying. When one reads a road sign, they realize that it is bilingual (two languages). It is true, there is another language alongside English, known as Irish locally, and commonly as Gaelic outside Ireland to differentiate it from Irish English. But don't fret because almost everyone in Ireland is competent in English. Actually, as a result of language policies during the 18th and 19th centuries, Irish is now only spoken as a mother tongue only by a minority in the country, mainly in rural districts of the west and south. These Gaeltachtaí as they are known in Irish, are considered cultural areas in Ireland, and have often been regarded as the centre of Irish culture. However, the Republic of Ireland is officially bilingual, and all state documents and road signs are bilingual. In Northern Ireland, it is recognised as a minority language. Here is a run down of some phrases:

• Dia Dhuit (Hello), pronounced: "Dia Wit"
• Dia is Muire Dhuit (Hello in response), pronounced: "Dia is Mura Wit"
• Conás atá tú? (How are you?), pronounced: "Conis ataw tu"
• Tá me go maith (I am good), pronounced: "Taw mey gu maw"
• Cá bhfuil... (Where is...), pronounced: "Caw will..."
• Tá brón orm (I am sorry), pronounced: "Taw broun urim"