Irish Proverb 41 - Seanfhocail Ghaeilge 41

A more direct translation would seem to be "Travelers are Storytellers."  Of course, that leaves out any implied meanings, but it seems those implied meanings may carry over into English as easily, especially if you also supply a wink and a nod.....

Dale D

True, but this is an object lesson in how translation can throw up all kinds of difficulties and complexities, Dale. In Ireland, the word Traveller (or member of the travelling community) refers to the ethnic or cultural minority who are often the victims of discrimination. Of course, the word traveller also has a more general meaning, but in a context like this I would avoid using it for fear of misunderstanding!  Incidentally, I remember someone suggesting years ago that the Irish for walkie-talkie should be siúlach-scéalach, which I thought was a nice use of the old in a new context.

Hi, Seán.

Thanks for that; I hadn't really made a connection to the "Travelers" when writing the above.  I know something about them, and we used to see their caravans on the road all the time or encamped here and there when traveling about the country.  Actually, "Into the West" is one of my favorite movies, but I'm not sure how accurate it is in portraying the "Travelers," although it does seem accurate in portraying the discrimination and contempt in which they are often held.  In any case, it was a fun movie.

Speaking of which, the opening music for that movie is sung in Irish, and I have been able to make out a few words, but does anyone know the song?  I'd love to know what the words say!  I don't know if it's an old song adapted for the movie or something written especially for it, or if anyone here will even know what I'm talking about...but I'd appreciate it if anyone could fill me in on that.

Dale D

Hi Dale, Yes, it is a nice wee film. If you want something a bit more realistic there's a film called Pavee Lackeen, which is acted (very well) by young Travellers. The music is modern and was composed by Patrick Boyle. Here's a link to Youtube - it gives the Irish and an English translation! All the best, Seán.

Sorry, the link didn't come out! It's under the title The Blue Sea and the White Horse, anyway. Slán go fóill!

Hey, Seán, that's great!  If I had thought to look on YouTube, I'm sure I would never have suspected that title.

Dale D