The Irish American comedian Des Bishop is behind a social network like no other based here in Ireland. It’s called ‘Abair Leat!’ and (obviously) it’s as Gaeilge.
Just when you thought that the Irish language was just for teachers and people who live out in the ‘Far Wehst’, a funny bloke comes in and gives it an injection of youth. Now, you probably won’t be hearing kids walking down the street conversing in our native tongue anytime soon, but at least it will get people into a new way of looking at the language.
The site is aimed at both Irish speakers and Irish learners, so you won’t be out of your depth if you’re nervous about signing up. It seems like a pretty advanced site too, as AbairLeat.com requires the user to have at least 70 per cent of their posts and comments as Gaeilge. It will tell you if you haven’t used enough Irish and asks you if you’d like to change the post if needed.
Both a spell checker and a translate section are included on the site, so you’ll never be stuck for a cúpla focal again.
Speaking to the Irish Times this morning, comedian Des Bishop said, “This is essentially about building a community of like-minded people chatting with each other.
“It’s a very good place for Irish speakers to go and feel comfortable. Learners can get a bit of confidence in speaking the language.”
Well, at least it might weed out a few people like this lad below in the brilliant Irish short Yu Ming is Ainm Dom. The lad in question is at 8.25 in, but you’re better off watching it from the start, mainly because it’s a great short movie.
