A section of the Book of Lecan from the 15th century. Located in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin

A section of the Book of Lecan from the 15th century.An example of old Irish Gaelic, it is located in the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin
Photo Credit: supplied

Learning old Irish Gaelic grammar: Canadian guide

Old Irish Gaelic is one of the oldest languages of Europe, but can be a bit tricky to learn.  However a recent book should help greatly in that task.  It’s called  “A Student’s Companion to Old Irish Grammar”

Ranke DeVries (PhD) is an associate professor in the Department of Celtic Studies at St Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia

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Ranke DeVries (PhD) Celtic Studies, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia
Ranke DeVries (PhD) Celtic Studies, St Francis Xavier University, Antigonish, Nova Scotia © St Francis Xavier U

Understanding ancient languages of ten can solve certain mysteries about the origin of words, and also reveal things about the cultures and societies that used them.

This can include things like the foods they ate, the tools used, their perception of the world,  religious aspects including  the god or gods they worshipped.

This understanding can also reveal certain aspects of their art, religion, commerce, and general culture.

It can also indicate the paths of human migrations and/or trade routes and as such can help in charting the course of human development.

Originally published May 2013 ©  Forgotten Scholar Press

DeVries has long been fascinated by this ancient language which, like English which has evolved from “old English”, Irish Gaelic has also evolved and survives to this day in a modern, similar form of the language, albeit in reduced numbers.

An illustration in the margins of the Book of Ballymote from the late 14th century (1391). The manuscript is housed in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin
An illustration in the margins of the Book of Ballymote from the late 14th century (1391). The manuscript is housed in the Royal Irish Academy, Dublin © supplied

DeVries has long been fascinated by this ancient language which, like English which has evolved from “old English”, has also evolved and survives to this day, albeit in reduced numbers.

Ranke DeVries says it is an amazing feeling to be reading and understanding the words of someone who lived hundreds of years ago, but says there is still more to learn, and more ancient texts to discover.

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