
THE LIFE OF A PEOPLE IS PICTURED IN THEIR SPEECH.
P. W. JOYCE, LL.D., T.C.D., M.R.I.A.
LONDON: LONGMANS, GREEN, & CO. DUBLIN: M. H. GILL & SON, LTD. 1910
PREFACE.
ENGLISH AS WE SPEAK IT IN IRELAND. - CHAPTER I.
CHAPTER II.
CHAPTER III.
CHAPTER IV.
CHAPTER V.
CHAPTER VI.
This work offers a thoughtful portrait of how Irish speech shapes the English spoken across the island. Drawing on the author’s own upbringing in Limerick and Cork, the text moves beyond mere word‑lists, showing how everyday conversation, folk songs, and local stories reveal a living blend of Irish and English influences.
The author spent two decades gathering material—relying on personal memory, a wide network of contributors from Ireland and its diaspora, and the rich literary output of Irish novelists and essayists. By cross‑referencing these sources, the book classifies regional expressions, explains their origins, and highlights recurring patterns that distinguish the Anglo‑Irish dialect from other varieties of English.
Listeners will find a clear, engaging exploration of language as cultural history, punctuated with vivid examples that bring the speech of towns and countryside alike to life. Whether you’re curious about linguistic quirks or the social fabric they reflect, the study provides an accessible gateway into Ireland’s unique voice.
Language
en
Duration
~9 hours (546K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Release date
Nov 8, 2010
Rights
Public domain in the USA.

1827–1914
Best known for uncovering the stories hidden in Irish place names, this nineteenth-century scholar also brought Irish history, language, and traditional music to a wide general audience. His books helped preserve everyday details of Ireland’s past in a clear, lively way.
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