Eog2016

Use of the definite article in Gaelic

RE: (Undid revision 324475533 by Eog2016 (talk) - definite article not necessary) The Definite Article is used before most names of languages in Gaelic. Page 106 in the book 'A Gaelic Grammar' by GEORGE CALDER. b.d., d. litt. Published by Alex. MacLaren & Sons,,GLASGOW in 1923, states the following; "7. (The Article is used) :with names of languages : Am faigh a' Ghàidhlig bàs — Will Gaelic die ? Anns a' Bheurla chruaidh—in hard English" I hope that you can appreciate from the above two examples that one should use the article before the word Gàidhlig. By using this one also should notices that the word changes to Ghàidhlig! You are incorrect in stating that the "definite article not necessary" in this particular case and therefore I would appreciate it if you would reinstate my changes. Eog2016 (talk) 01:09, 8 November 2009 (UTC)

Hi, that's not exactly correct. Although the definite article is used before the names of languages quite often, in particular in the genitive and dative cases, it's not required, and the form without the article (and lenition) is the more usual option in sentences like Tha Gàidhlig aige or ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig". That's why Gaelic dictionaries mention the article in the headword when its use is necessary (eg some placenames) but not with the names of languages. You might also be interested in this recent debate at Fòram na Gàidhlig. Cheers, --Thrissel (talk) 09:26, 8 November 2009 (UTC)

RE: "the form without the article (and lenition) is the more usual option in sentences like Tha Gàidhlig aige or ag ionnsachadh Gàidhlig"."

Yes, such use is correct, but this is because the name of the language is not referred to in a wide or general sense it is indefinite!Eog2016 (talk) 16:38, 23 December 2009 (UTC)