Tip of the Week 31

Some learners have difficulty with the 'address' form of nouns (often called the Vocative Case.
 
The Vocative Case is used when you are directly addressing someone in speech or in a written message.
 
Masculine names and feminine names are treated slightly differently.
 
1.Masculine names are lenited where possible, and are 'slenderised' i.e. an 'i' sound is introduced into the last syllable. If beginning with a consonant, the name is preceded by 'a' (a very short 'uh' sound.
e.g.
 
Calum [pr. kaluhm] ---- a Chaluim [pr. uh chalim] = Malcolm/Calum
Here 'ch' is pronounced as in 'loch'
 
Teàrlach [pr. tcharloch] --- a Theàrlaich [pr. uh hyarleech]= Charles
Here 'ch' is pronounced as in 'loch' but 'tch' is pronounced as 'ch' in 'church' and 'yar' as in 'yard'.
 
Tòmas [pr. toe-mass]----- a Thòmais [pr. uh hoe-meesh]=
 
Dùghlas [pr. dooghlass] --- a Dhùghlais [pr. uh ghooghleesh]
 
It's extremely difficult to represent the dh or gh sound. You really have to hear it. But I'll try.
 
You have to be able to say *loch* first!
If you can do that, try beginning to say *log*, but, when you reach the *g*, push the sound out as you did for *ch*. This produces (you hope) a *voiced ch*. Don't do this in anyone else's hearing or they'll think you're choking!
 
More next time.
 
Cailean
Am Marcair Dubh
Is i a' Ghàidhlig Cànan mo Dhùthcha.
URL: http://www.gaeldesign.com/colinmark

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Vocative Case #4
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