I like to be thorough, so when I started writing Eyes of Garnet, I wanted the story to sound like it was from the perspective of 18th century Scotland, hence I learned (well, gave it my best shot!) how to speak a wee bit o' the native language.

 

In case you didn't know there was a difference, Scots speak Gàidhlig and the Irish speak Gaelic. Yes, they are very similar, but different enough to scratch you're head over when listening to both languages. I am by no means proficient, but have learned enough to feel confident in writing about it.

 

A Caraid Ort = a kar-EETCH orst = dear friend
A Ghaoil = a GHOoil = my love
A Ghaoil mo Chridhe = a GHOoil mo CRE-ee = love of my heart
An dà Shealladh = an daah SHAY-lagh = the two sights (literally) or Second Sight
Arisaid = AIR-isaitch = long tartan covering that women wore over their dress that folded up over their heads like a shawl
Abaisd = ah-PASHT = brat
Bean-sidhe = BAN-shee = banshee
Beurnag = BEE-yur-nak = wild, mean woman
Bòdhran = BOH-rahn = drum
Bràithrean = BRAY-hren = brothers
Brighid = bBREE-geet = Bridget the saint
Bràthair Beag = BRAY-hair beck = little brother
Caithris = KAY-reesh = wake
Catrìona = ka-TREE-na = Catherine
Ceilidh = KAY-lee = party or visit
Ciamar a tha thu? = KIM-mar ah HA oo = how are you? (familiar)
Ciamar a tha sibh? = KIM-mar ah HA shiv = how are you? (proper)
Ciamar a tha thu sa mhadain an-diugh? = KIM-mar ah HA oo sa'vah-TEEN an-JEW = how are you this morning?
Clach na Brataich = CLACK na BRA-teck = ensign stone
Clan Donnachaidh = clan DON-a-key = children of Duncan
Cuppa = COO-pa = cup
Garg 'n Uair Dhuisgear = GARG-en OOR GHOOS-kar = fierce when roused
Glè Mhath = glay VAH = very good
Gur Math A Thèid Leibh = gur MAH ah HAYTCH leeve = may it be good that will go with you
Iain = EE-ine = John
Lachlan = LAHK-lan
Madainn Mhath Mo Nighean Mhaiseach = MAH-teen VAH mo NEE-an VAH-sheck = good morning my beautiful girls
Mo Bhalach = mo VAH-lack = my son
Mo Bhràthair Mòr = mo VRAY-hair MOORE = my big brother
Mo Charaid = mo kar-EETCH = my friend
Mo Ghille = mo GHI-lly = my boy
Mo Shionnach = mo SHON-nack = my fox

Na bi gòrach = NAH bee GAW-ruck = don't be daft
Piuthar = PEE-oor = sister
Sassenach = SAH-sen-ach = English

SassenaIch = SAH-sen-aych = many English
Seumas = SHAY-mus = James
Sgian Dhu = SKEE-an DOO = black knife
Shaeumais = HAY-mish = James
Sìdhichean = SHEE-ichan = faeries
Sionnach = SHON-nack = fox
Slàinte mhath = SLAN-cha VAH = good health
Slìo Mìn Aig Aulich = slees meen ek AW-lick = smooth slope at Aulich
Tapadh Leibh = TAH-pah leeve = thank you (proper)


Here are a few words in broad Scots:

Kine = cows
Ken = know
Kent = knew
Dinna = don't
Clot Heid = bone head