An mhí seo (this month) I’d like to talk about social occasions, meeting people, asking someone to meet for dinner, etc.

Here is the conversation you might have:

Síle: Dia duit a Pheadair. Conas ata tú? (Hello Peter. How are you?)

Peadar: Dia is Muire duit a Shíle. Táim go breá. Agus tú féin? (Hello Sheila. I’m fine. And yourself?)

Síle: Táim ceart go leor, go raibhb maith agat. Cogar, an bhfuil tú saor oíche amárach? (I’m Ok, thanks. Listen, are you free tomorrow night?)

Peadar: Táim. Cén fáth? (I am. Why?)

Síle: Ar mhaith leat teacht le haghaidh dinnéar liom? (Would you like to come out to dinner with me?)

Peadar: Ba bhreá liom. (I’d love to)

Síle: Tá bialann Indiach nua i lár na cathrach. Chuala mé go raibh sé go hiontach. (There’s a new Indian restaurant in the city centre. I heard it is excellent.)

Peadar: Is breá liom bia Indiach! (I love Indian food!)

Síle: Cuirfidh mé bord in áirithe mar sin. Ag a seacht? (I’ll book a table, so. At seven?)

Peadar: Go hiontach ar fad! Feicfidh mé amárach thú ag a seacht a chlog. (That’s really great. I’ll see you tomorrow at seven o’clock.)

Try reading the conversation aloud, with a partner if you can! Do it a few times so the phrases become familiar. 

Here are a few more phrases to learn:

• Cén t-am? (What time?)
• Ag a ceathar a chlog (At four o’clock)
• Bia Francach (French food)
• Bia Iodálach (Italian food)
• Bia Síneach (Chinese food)
• Tá bróm orm ach níl mé saor amárach (I’m sorry but I’m not free tomorrow)

By the way, If there are any beginners in the Birmingham area who would like to learn Irish, a new class will be starting up in Autumn. There will be a live class in the city once a month, with a study guide on-line and a back-up service. This course is being provided bu Conradh na Gaeilge Birmingham. If you are interested, contact www.gaeilge.uk or courses@gaeilge.uk

Alternatively, come along to Norton’s in Digbeth on the second Sunday of the month, every month! From 1pm to 3pm join other speakers and learners in an Irish language session, followed by seisiún ceol tradisiúnta (traditional music session) from 3pm to 5pm. It’s a very friendly group and everyone is made welcome. Ask for Lars to hear all about the beginners’ course!

Beir bua, Terri