Customer Reviews

Everyday Gaelic

5 star:		(4)
4 star:		(2)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

This very conveniently organized, compact and user-friendly book should be a staple on every Gaelic learner's bookshelf. It not only provides an excellent vocabulary of idiomatic phrases, but does so with the pithy wit that Scottish Gaels are so famous for.

Phrases are pressented in idiomatic English, idiomatic Gaelic and phonetic transcription side by side. The phonetics are fairly intuitive and easy to use. Basic gramar points are also covered, but as sidebars to the main focus, which is conversation.

This book truly fills an essential function in the progression from beginning to intermediate skill in Gaelic.

This is definitely a worthwhile purchase for anyone interested in Scottish Gaelic. But one should be aware that there are two versions of this book in print - one with and one without the accompanying audio CD. According to Amazon's description and the photo of the book, the version they are selling does not include the CD, but the retail price and ISBN that they list for this title are for the one with the CD. So someone looking for this book might be hesistant in buying it from Amazon, because you might be paying for the book/CD version and only getting the book. None of the other customer reviews mention an audio CD or whether they actually ordered this title from Amazon specifically, so that is not helpful is determining which version Amazon actually stocks.

If you are looking from the book/CD version online (sorry, I won't name where to look here, but there are other retail sites that carrying both versions, so shop around - or pester Amazon to sort out this confusion), know that the cover of the book should have a yellow banner in the bottom corner reading "Includes Audio CD." It should also have an ISBN ending in 709 (the book-only version ends with 402, and is about $10 less retail). As a student of Scottish Gaelic, I highly recommend getting the book/CD version. Even with phonetic help, Gaelic learners benefit greatly from hearing the pronounciation and cadance of a native Gaelic speaker, as spoken Gaelic is quite distinct from spoken English or other non-Celtic languages.

This little book is very useful for a broad range of everyday conversational situations. It is most appropriate for travelers in Gaelic-speaking areas. The topical organization is great; particular situations are easy to find quickly. The phonetic pronunciation guides, with each phrase, are reasonably accurate and provide at least a good start toward accurate pronunciation of the Gaelic words and phrases - even showing how syllables and sounds are run together in phrases. Light in spirit, serious in intent. A "must-have" for any Gaelic learner who wants to use Gaelic in everyday situations.

This is a great addition to any regular Scottish-Gaelic course. Lot's of fun phrases in an easy to reference manner. It's a great book

I have many Irish relatives and many of the older ones speak Gaelic. So, when I saw this book I had to order it! Ever since it came in I've been learning like crazy and starting to speak whole sentences. This was a great purchase!

This book is a really great introduction to Gaelic! Make 100% sure you get the book/CD combo. While the book itself give book the actual spelling it also give some phonetics. Again a great plus! This helps with pronunciations. The book is very handy, but I want to learn how the language sounds so I can speak it and the CD is invaluable for that.

Technically the CD is good. Some track are a little louder than others, but I didn't purchase this for it's fidelity. If it's close, it's enough here. The voices are clear and you can understand what they say = good CD.

Slainte!

I ordered it on 14 February, it is now 20 Mar. The only thing I have received so far has been a series of revised delivery dates. I can't tell you whether or not the book is any good, I would have to actually receive it to know that.