labhair
The Gaelic verb labhair means to speak, specifically in the sense of being able to communicate in a language.
labhair is used to describe the ability to communicate or converse in a particular language.
Meaning: to be able to communicate in a language (verb)
Did you know?
- In many Gaelic-speaking communities, the way one 'speaks' is judged by 'blas', which literally means 'taste', referring to the aesthetic quality or 'flavor' of a person's accent and phrasing.
- The term labhair is closely linked to the Gaelic concept of 'oral tradition', where the ability to speak and recite history was more valued than written records for centuries.
- There is a distinction in Gaelic between labhair and facladh, where the latter is often used for the specific act of uttering a single word or a short phrase.
Examples in context
- Abair as làidir, le do thoil.Say it louder, please.
- Ní féidir leis labhair Gàidhlig.He cannot speak Gaelic.
Example conversation
Hamish and Isla are meeting for the first time.
- HamishHalò, a Isla! An labhair thu be Gaelic?Hello, Isla! Do you speak a bit of Gaelic?
- IslaTha, ach tha mi beag.Yes, but I am a beginner.
- HamishTha sin math. Labhair sinn Gaelic an-diugh.That is good. Let's speak Gaelic today.
- IslaTha sin math leam, a Hamish.I would like that, Hamish.
