GRAMMAR OF THE IRISH LANGUAGE, COMPILED FROM THE BEST AUTHORITIES, BY HENRY J. MONCK MASON, L.L.D. M.R.I.A. DUBLIN: PRINTED BY M, GOODWIN, 29, DENMARK-STREET. 1830. THE following compilation has long been withheld from the public, in the hope that some person more competent than myself would undertake the work; but, disappointed in that expectation, and finding that no time should be lost in furnishing the Irish student, I hasten to put it forth. Let it not be objected, that I am not acquainted with the Irish as a colloquial, but only as a written, language; I admit it; but I have not advanced a single rule except upon the best admitted authorities; and have decided, in cases of doubt, upon the evidence of a majority of the most approved. I have compared Molloy's, Vallancey's. Neilson's, Halliday's, O'Brien's, and O'Reilly's grammars ; and not neglected others. It may be asked, why I have not re-edited some of those above enumerated? The answer is obvious-such as I most approved of are copy-right. I must also add, that I conceive that none of them are fitted for editing without alteration. It is my intention, please God, to publish a second part ; containing one or two useful tables in the shape of Appendix, and dialogues, composed by persons the most competent to write them, in familiar phrase. In publishing the parts separately, I consult the convenience of the public; because I cannot, except during the long vacation, have leisure to complete the second, and a grammar is wanted immediately. H. J. M. M. IRISH GRAMMAR. LETTERS. Their Pronunciation and Orthography. The Modern Irish Alphabet consists of 18 letters. Pronunciation by analogy to the English. Alim Beh Cowl Dur Thoor Cada Eayaw (quick) Fearn Farrun ζομτ Gurth Joża Eeyaw (quick) Lur Luish Mun Moŏin Nujn Noŏin Wat It will appear in the sequel, how the powers of the letters V, W, and Y, are expressed in Irish. K is always the pronunciation of C; the power of Q exists in C followed by v1, as in š1ñ, Quinn; and X is expressed by cr, as Ecrodur, Exodus. Contractions in common use. Oĕer Peh Ruish Soŏil Thinne (quick) Oor Oŏagh |