Customer Reviews

Dolan:Dictionary of Hiberno-English (Dictionary)

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This is a pioneering work which belongs on the shelf of any linguist, any student of Ireland, and anyone interested in gaining a knowledge of 'Irishness'. It is an invaluable source of knowledge and renders important insights into the state of the English language in Ireland. English, as Joyce described it, is both 'familiar and foreign' to Ireland; Terry Dolan's work demonstrates how the Irish have made what was once a colonial imposition a tool for their own use. This is a fascinating, detailed and original project, I recommend it with great enthusiasm.

Since I bought the book, I've found myself looking up one expression or other again and again. I've used it much more often than I expected, and I've found it to be a great resource. I had no idea how many differences there are between American English and the English spoken in Ireland! Many words from the Irish language found their way into American English, but even more (understandably) became part of the English spoken in Ireland.

The definitions, or explanations, include a fine range of examples of how the term as used by speakers in different parts of Ireland (city and countryside), and the term as it is found in works of literature and drama by Irish authors. The definitions also give, briefly, the word's source (often from Irish). I would recommend it to anyone with interest in Hiberno-English, or who is reading plays or novels by Irish authors (in English). Might be very handy for a visitor to Ireland, too!