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[Opinions] Re: Toirdhealbhach
I don't like the sound of it at all, though it looks kind of cool. It would probably be a pain in the neck to bear in America. Do Irish people come across a name like this and immediately know how to pronounce it or do most need help, too?
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It depends:) Even though Irish is compulsory in schools it doesn't mean most people are fluent. A lot of people never speak Irish again after they leave school. Some people have problems with the language, especially if it's an unfamiliar name or an uncommon one. I know an Irish guy who regularly mangles Irish names. Even though I studied Irish at Uni level I have to think about some names and words. Irish is a difficult language.
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Thanks for your answers, Speranza and Bear. I've wondered about that for quite some time!

This message was edited 11/20/2008, 4:59 PM

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All Irish students are required to learn Irish Gaelic in school, at least a little. So the spelling probably wouldn't put them off.
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