Pronunciation: [ɡˈɔ͡ɪdə͡l] (IPA) 
The word "Goidel" refers to an ancient Celtic people. The spelling of this word has its roots in the Irish language where it is spelled "Gaeil". The IPA phonetic transcription of the word is /ˈɡiː.lɛ/. The "G" is pronounced as a hard "g" sound, the "ai" is pronounced as an "ee" sound, and the "l" is pronounced with a light "l" sound with the back of the tongue raised slightly. The "e" at the end is silent.
Goidel is a term that refers to the early Celtic historical group known as the Gaels or Goidels. The Goidels were an ancient Celtic people who inhabited Ireland and western Scotland. The term "Goidel" is used to describe them as a distinct linguistic and cultural group within the larger Celtic civilization.
Linguistically, Goidels spoke a variant of the Celtic language known as Goidelic or Q-Celtic, which included Old Irish and its modern descendants, Irish Gaelic and Scottish Gaelic. This branch of the Celtic language is characterized by the initial sound "q" or "c" where other Celtic languages have "p" or "k."
Culturally, the Goidels left a lasting impact on Ireland and Scotland through their way of life, customs, and mythology. They were renowned for their oral traditions, which included epic tales and legends, often centered around the feats of mythical heroes like Cú Chulainn or Fionn mac Cumhaill. In terms of religious practices, the Goidels adhered to a polytheistic belief system, worshipping deities that corresponded with natural elements and phenomena.
Overall, the term "Goidel" is a designation used to encompass the distinct Celtic group known as the Gaels and their linguistic and cultural traits. It serves to differentiate them from other Celtic groups and highlights their unique contribution to the history and heritage of Ireland and Scotland.
The word "Goidel" originates from the Irish-Gaelic term "Góidel", which refers to an ancient people who spoke a Celtic language. It is believed to come from the Proto-Celtic word *φoidlo-s or *goidelo-s, meaning "one who speaks Gaelic", which is derived from the Proto-Indo-European root *weydʰ- meaning "to speak". Over time, the word evolved into Góidel in Old Irish and Gàidheal in Scottish Gaelic. Today, it is commonly used to refer to the Gaels or Gaelic-speaking people.
