Beyond Cúpla Focal: The Hidden History of Irish Words

From abhainn (river) to úll (apple), everyday Irish words hide a rich backstory. By delving into the history of these words, we uncover the story of Ireland, from the prehistoric past through to the coming of the Vikings, Normans and English. This special Irish Day event will feature talks from authors and experts on the history of Irish words, from the distant past to the present day.

This event is organised in conjunction with the Institute of Irish Studies, University of Liverpool, and supported by An Roinn Turasóireachta, Cultúir, Ealaíon, Gaeltachta, Spóirt agus na Meán /  The Department of Tourism, Culture, Arts, Gaeltacht, Sport and Media.

– All talks will be in English. You do not need to know Irish to attend –

SCHEDULE OF THE DAY’S EVENT

11:30               Welcome and Introduction to the Day

11:45               Darach Ó Séaghdha

‘Loose Lips Sink Shibboleths’

12:15               Gearóid Ó Cleircín

‘On our own terms: how technical terminology is developed for the Irish language’

13:00               Lunch

14:00               Readings from the Irish language students at Hammersmith, London and Cambridge

14:15               Máire Ní Mhaonaigh and Sharon Arbuthnot

‘A History of Ireland in 100 Words’

15:45               Closing Remarks, followed by music and drinks

Darach Ó Séaghdha is a podcaster, Irish language activist and author of the bestselling books Motherfoclóir: Dispatches from a Not-So Dead Language (2017) and Craic Baby: Dispatches From A Rising Language (2018).

Gearóid Ó Cleircín of Dublin City University leads a number of Irish-language terminology projects, including Téarma (www.téarma.ie) and Gaois (www.gaois.ie), and is a senior member of An Coiste Téarmaíochta (the National Terminology Committee).

Máire Ní Mhaonaigh, Professor of Celtic and Medieval Studies in the University of Cambridge, is an expert on medieval Irish literature and history and co-author of A History of Ireland in 100 Words (2019).

Sharon Arbuthnot is a researcher and editor for the Dictionary of the Irish Language, currently based at the University of Cambridge, and co-author of A History of Ireland in 100 Words (2019).